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QUESTION:  I live in Kansas City (climate zone 5) and have just read the answer to the above question.  I would like to understand a bit more about the challenges of growing heaths and heathers in the heartland before I begin planting in the spring.  Why can no heathers be grown in Nebraska?
I am considering planting Erica carnea on a west slope and Erica darleyensis and vagans on the opposite( east) slope.  My favorite is Erica cinerea but I fear it may be too delicate for our winter winds.
ANSWER:  Reliable snow cover can make all the difference in areas referenced here and in the question above.  E. x darleyensis may not do well but E. carnea and Calluna vulgaris are preferable although winter protection will be necessary.  Hot summers bring additional challenges in these locations.   Callunas will likely be better than E. carnea.  In any case, do not put E. carnea on a west facing slope.  Try Calluna 'Kerstin' because its grey foliage may give it some heat resistance and it has proven to be very hardy in trials in Vermont.  You may like to try Erica tetralix varieties as well. It is clear that you are breaking new ground and we all would like to here from you again as your garden develops.