Question
QUESTION: Hi!  I just bought a gorgeous Italian heather @ a local supermarket.  I live Austin, TX.  I believe it's zone 8b.  I'd like to transplant it into a container and put it outdoors.  What advice do you have for me?  Thanks in advance for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Terry,
Thanx for your question.  I've received several inquiries about Italian heather (Erica ventricosa).  It is native to South Africa and is hardy down to 28F.  It will survive mild frosts the a hard frost will kill it back to the ground.  It should return in the spring if the roots are not frozen.  This plant is not reliably hardy outdoors in your area.  If you're going to put it in a tub or container, move it out of the the way of any cold north winds.  You can bring it indoors for the coldest periods.  It can get chilly in the winter in Austin and I'm afraid that the plant might not make it since it is only rated to Zone 10.  It also does not like extremes in heat so put the container in a place where it will be protected from the hot afternoon South Texas sun.  Feed with a balanced 12-12-12 fertilizer according to the directions on the package.  Keep it moist but free draining. I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I thought I'd put it in a container so that I could have the flexibility of moving it into the shade or into the house in the winter.  Can you tell me if it would be better to plant it in a big container or does it prefer to be pot bound?  How about watering? Type of soil?  I sure appreciate you sharing your expertise. Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Terry,
Plant it in a container as large as you can manage.  You can regulate the size of the plant so I wouldn't put it in a humongous container but maybe one that will allow the plant to be robust and you can truly enjoy its beauty without having to struggle to move it in and out of safe areas.  I would just use regular potting soil and maybe throw in a handful of sand and some peat and mix it up really well.  Make sure your pot is free draining and keep the plant evenly moist but not soggy but not dry either.  That means while it's outdoors, you'll probably have to water it every day unless you put some kind of mulch around it so the moisture doesn't evaporate.  I hope this helps.
Tom