The message
from "Emrys Davies" contains these words:

"Remove dead flower spikes and any long straggly growths, as this allows
the plant to develop its own natural habit.

Hmmmm.

The danger of severe pruning is that the cutting back to older wood will
hinder the production of new growths, leaving a bare patch in the middle
of your plant.

More hmmmmmmm.

In natural surroundings heathers are grazed by sheep and wildlife on the
moors, but they only take the new growths which is the equivalent of
very light pruning".

Tracts of heather are very often burned-off in the Highlands, and the
new growth soon springs up from the roots.

--
Rusty
Open the creaking gate to make a horrid.squeak, then lower the foobar.
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/hi-fi/