Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H7
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
60cm | Max | 80cm |
10cm | Min | 40cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Heather
Heather Overview
Commonly known as heather, the perennial, evergreen shrub (Calluna vulgaris) has hundreds of cultivars. It naturally occurs in a range of moorland, bog, and heathland habitats around the world. In New Zealand, it is considered as an unwanted organism and a ban is in place for its sale and propagation. Similarly, in Australia, Calluna is on the alert list for eradication. The plant grows to between 40-70 cm tall, producing many bell-shaped flowers in late summer. Leaves and small and scale-like measuring 2-3 mm in length. It tends to dominate heath and moorland habitats, can handle grazing and regenerates effectively following fires. Also known as Heather or Ling, it prefers growing in well-drained acidic soil in full sun, but it will tolerate neutral soil and partial shade. It flowers on the previous years growth, so prune immediately after flowering to maintain a neat habit and still enjoy flowers the next year.
Common problems with Heather
How to propagate Heather
Cuttings
Root semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.
Layering
Layer in spring.
Division
Seed
Special features of Heather
Attracts bees
Attracts useful insects
Honeybees, bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies, thrips, other
Other uses of Heather
Border, edging, rock garden, ground cover, naturaliser, banks. Summer interest. Suitable for coastal conditions. This plant suits being included in planting schemes for exposed or sheltered locations with any (north, south, east or west-facing) aspects.
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