Ericaceae
Calluna vulgaris
Add instant cool-season charm to patios and entrances with Calluna (Scots heather). This compact evergreen forms a neat, textured mound and produces dense flower spikes that look fresh for weeks in outdoor containers. Place it in bright light, keep the soil evenly moist, and enjoy a naturally elegant display that pairs beautifully with other acid-loving plants.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Scots heather
Botanical Name: Calluna vulgaris
Plant Variant: Standard
Plant Color: Natural
Plant Country: Not mentioned
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0040
Arabic Name: كالونا
Stems: Not available
Family: Ericaceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Calluna
Species: C. vulgaris
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to Europe and western Asia; widespread across the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Central Europe. Grows naturally in acidic soils of heathlands, moorlands, and bogs. Introduced to North America, New Zealand, and parts of Asia as an ornamental and groundcover.
4. Visual Characteristics
A low-growing evergreen subshrub forming a mound of fine, scale-like leaves 2–4 mm long. Produces dense terminal spikes of urn-shaped flowers in late summer to autumn, typically pink-purple but also white or red in some cultivars. Branches are woody at the base with slender, wiry stems.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: 20–50 cm (8–20 inches)
Spread: 30–50 cm (12–20 inches)
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun for best flowering. Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy and flower sparsely.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil; do not allow the root zone to dry out completely. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers acidic, well-draining soils (pH 4.5–6.0) rich in organic matter. Use ericaceous compost or a mix of peat, sand, and leaf mold. Ideal for containers with good drainage.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Hardy to USDA zones 4–6. Prefers cool climates; optimal growth at 10–18 °C (50–65 °F). Tolerates light frost. Requires average humidity; avoid high heat and arid conditions.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, ericaceous fertilizer in early spring. A light top-dressing of compost or slow-release acid-based fertilizer after flowering promotes healthy growth.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate care. Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain shape and prevent woody, bare stems. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new growth.
12. Growth & Propagation
Grows slowly to form a compact mound. Propagate via semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or by layering. Seeds can be sown in autumn in a cold frame but may vary from the parent plant in form and color.
13. Common Problems
Pests: heather beetle, aphids. Diseases: root rot in poorly drained soils, powdery mildew. Tip dieback can occur in overly dry or shaded conditions.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental groundcover and container plant providing seasonal color in cool months. Attracts bees and other pollinators. Used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and as cut flowers.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Generally non-toxic to humans and pets. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.
Calluna vulgaris
Add instant cool-season charm to patios and entrances with Calluna (Scots heather). This compact evergreen forms a neat, textured mound and produces dense flower spikes that look fresh for weeks in outdoor containers. Place it in bright light, keep the soil evenly moist, and enjoy a naturally elegant display that pairs beautifully with other acid-loving plants.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Scots heather
Botanical Name: Calluna vulgaris
Plant Variant: Standard
Plant Color: Natural
Plant Country: Not mentioned
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0040
Arabic Name: كالونا
Stems: Not available
Family: Ericaceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Calluna
Species: C. vulgaris
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to Europe and western Asia; widespread across the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Central Europe. Grows naturally in acidic soils of heathlands, moorlands, and bogs. Introduced to North America, New Zealand, and parts of Asia as an ornamental and groundcover.
4. Visual Characteristics
A low-growing evergreen subshrub forming a mound of fine, scale-like leaves 2–4 mm long. Produces dense terminal spikes of urn-shaped flowers in late summer to autumn, typically pink-purple but also white or red in some cultivars. Branches are woody at the base with slender, wiry stems.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: 20–50 cm (8–20 inches)
Spread: 30–50 cm (12–20 inches)
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun for best flowering. Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy and flower sparsely.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil; do not allow the root zone to dry out completely. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers acidic, well-draining soils (pH 4.5–6.0) rich in organic matter. Use ericaceous compost or a mix of peat, sand, and leaf mold. Ideal for containers with good drainage.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Hardy to USDA zones 4–6. Prefers cool climates; optimal growth at 10–18 °C (50–65 °F). Tolerates light frost. Requires average humidity; avoid high heat and arid conditions.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, ericaceous fertilizer in early spring. A light top-dressing of compost or slow-release acid-based fertilizer after flowering promotes healthy growth.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate care. Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain shape and prevent woody, bare stems. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new growth.
12. Growth & Propagation
Grows slowly to form a compact mound. Propagate via semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or by layering. Seeds can be sown in autumn in a cold frame but may vary from the parent plant in form and color.
13. Common Problems
Pests: heather beetle, aphids. Diseases: root rot in poorly drained soils, powdery mildew. Tip dieback can occur in overly dry or shaded conditions.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental groundcover and container plant providing seasonal color in cool months. Attracts bees and other pollinators. Used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and as cut flowers.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Generally non-toxic to humans and pets. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.