Meet the heather tree: a striking fall decoration for your terrace
It’s easy to create a heather tree using a stick. This charming heather ball becomes a tall focal point in your fall arrangement, brightening your terrace or balcony.
Heather tree—materials:
- Large, bushy cape heathers, about 6 total (3 for the ball, 3 for the pot base).
- Soil
- Planting container
- A sphere-shaped floral foam (oasis ball) that fits your container
- Scissors
- A sturdy branch sharpened at both ends
Heather tree—instructions:
1. Plant three large cape heathers in a container filled with soil, then trim them with scissors to create an even look. Save the clippings.
2. Insert the sharpened stick firmly into the floral foam, then secure the other end in the center of the pot.
3. Cut the flowering branches from the remaining cape heathers into pieces about 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in) long. Remove some flowers and leaves from the base of the branches so you have about 0.5–1 cm (0.2–0.4 in) of bare stem. Insert the stems into the floral foam. First cut off a segment from the top of the larger branches, which can leave one or two smaller flowering stems. You can use small branches whole. Fill the entire ball with these cuttings.
4. Shape the remaining cape heathers into a spherical form with scissors and plant them in smaller pots around the main tree.
Tip!
Cape heather should never be allowed to dry out, because once it does, it quickly sheds its blossoms. Keep your heather tree looking beautiful by protecting it from autumn rains and maintaining steady moisture. You can also water the ball with a watering can. Stop watering when frosts begin.
