Hi I have a heather that is in bloom now. More a magenta than purple. I an across the water in PG county
Mary

There are two types of heather/heath that are typically sold around here. One flowers in very early spring (mine has been flowering since early February) and one is summer flowering. The one you see now is probably the spring flowering one.

Both need really good drainage, and the climate around here isn't the best with our humid summers. I've had pretty good success with both types, but also have had one or two individual plants croak on me.

Larry