The lower, spreading types are grown as ground covers, in rockeries, containers or for spot color in flower and shrub beds. While the upright varieties are best suited for borders, spot color, massing or as container plants. The flowers of both types are ideal for small winter arrangements. Because color varies by variety, it's best to select them when they are in bloom. Then you can determine the flower color and select them for the desired growth habit.
Heathers are often available in a range of plant sizes.
Many garden outlets feature small plants in four inch pots, as well as larger ones in one and two gallon containers. Some varieties of winter heather will begin flowering now, while other do not start blooming until January or later, so you may want to select ones that flower at different times during the fall and winter. Since they start flowering now, this is generally when you will find the best selection of plants. What I like about heather is that they are easy to grow, providing you observe a few cultural requirements. First, they must be planted so the root-ball is level with the soil surface.