Kay wrote:
In article , Alex Woodward
writes
Perhaps I should give them more time to establish, or do you think
there is a problem with the soil? I have to admit I have not
tested
the ph level of the soil - which is an obvious mistake I suppose.

You can get some idea by what grows around. Do neighbours grow
rhododendrons, for example, and what are your commonest weeds?

What she said. Don't bother with soil-testing kits: for many people
they're just a waste of money. If there are signs of alkaline soil,
when you buy heaths and heathers, always ask the seller if they're
lime-tolerant: the winter-flowering ones (Ericas carnea and
darleyensis) are particularly handy. Never buy a Calluna variety:
they're the real heathers, and can't eat lime. Needless to say,
decline with thanks and go somewhere else if the dealer won't or
can't tell you.

If you think of them as tiny shrubs, it helps generate the patience
you may need: they don't grow all that quickly, so as long as they're
looking healthy you're probably doing the right thing. I like them in
groups of half a dozen or more of the same variety, not too crowded;
but that's just me.

Mike.