Shrub
Common heather
Calluna vulgaris
A low evergreen shrub that usually flowers from late summer into autumn. It grows best in sun and acidic, well-drained soil. Cultivars differ in height and in leaf and flower colour.
- Size
- 0.1–1 m high · 0.3–0.6 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Very hardy
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- Check the soil pH; heather is not a good choice for lime-rich soil.
- Choose sun or light shade and provide good drainage, especially in containers.
- The species is invasive in New Zealand. Check regional planting guidance before growing it outside its native range.
Why choose it
- Evergreen shoots provide low structure even when the plant is not in flower.
- Bees visit the flowers of typical open-flowered forms.
Care
- Monitor young plants and pots; avoid both prolonged drying out and waterlogging.
- Lightly trim faded tips, leaving green growth. Do not cut deeply into old, bare wood.
- Do not lime the soil or try to replace suitable growing conditions with excess fertiliser.
Good to know
- Calluna heather and Erica heaths do not necessarily share the same growing needs or flowering season.