Heather

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Common Name

Heather

Scientific Name

Calluna vulgaris

Plant Category

Perennial

Location

Western Europe and in parts of northeastern North America and Siberia

Height

10-18 inches

Width

1-2 inches

Blooming Season

Late summer

Plant Habit

Spreading or upright

Color

White, pink, purple, red, copper, gold or green

Sun

Full sun

Soil

Well-drained, acidic soil

Water

Moderate

Plant Characteristics

Plants have high reproductive capacity with seeds produced in very large numbers.

Usage

Used in rock gardens and flower arrangements. Used as a traditional remedy in Swedish herbal medicine.

Information

Heather plants are evergreen branching shrubs and their flowers bloom in late summer. They are the national flowers for Norway. The scientific name, Calluna vulgaris, in general, came from Calluna from the Greek Kallune - to clean or brush, as the twigs were used for making brooms and vulgaris from Latin, meaning common. Different varieties of heather flowers bloom from late July to November in the northern hemisphere. The flowers may turn brown but still remain on the plants over winter, and this can lead to interesting effects. Each heather flower has 30 Heather seeds, so a heather plant produces up to 150,000 seeds per season. There are two types of winter heather plants. The lower, winter spreading types are grown as ground covers, in rockeries, containers or for spot color in flower and shrub beds. The upright winter varieties are best suited for borders, spot color, massing or as container plants. The flowers of both types are ideal for small winter arrangements. Heather and the thistle are the national flowers of Scotland.

Growing Tips

Heather plants can be planted anytime when the ground is not frozen. The soil for planting should contain mix peat moss, compost or processed manure with the existing soil. To enhance performance, add a little non-burning fertilizer to encourage new root growth. The plants must be planted so the root-ball is level with the soil surface. Take care not to pile mulch up over the root system. Heather plants must be planted in soil that is well drained and firm the soil around the plants and water-in. Plants should be pruned each year immediately after they have finished flowering, which results in additional flowers the following year.

Common Problems

Heather plants are generally pest-free.