Scotch heather - Calluna vulgaris (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Scotch heather

Also known as: Winter Heather, Irish Heath, Common heather, Summer heather, Autumn heather

Scotch heather (Calluna vulgaris) is an evergreen flowering shrub that produces hundreds of rose-pink to purplish-pink, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer. Relatively low maintenance, it is perfect in rock gardens or used as a border or ground cover. It prefers acidic soil and will grow from 30 to 61 cm in full sun to partial shade.

Scientific classification

Species

Scotch heather (Calluna vulgaris)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

20 cm to 50 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green, Yellow, Gray, Red, Orange

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Orange

Fruit Color

Pink, White, Purple, Red, Orange, Violet

Flower Color

Green, Silver, Purple, Brown

Stem Color

Summer dormancy, Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Scotch heather

Distribution of Scotch heather

Distribution Map

Scotch heather has a well-established presence across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, thriving natively in a broad swathe of Europe and reaching into western Asia. Cultivation efforts have seen scotch heather spread, enriching diverse landscapes around the globe. In certain areas outside its native terrain, notably within continents such as North America and Oceania, scotch heather is sometimes thought to be non-native, where it may have an impact on local ecosystems. Despite its wide reach, scotch heather continues to be a celebrated addition to gardens and cultivated spaces.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Acid soils in open woodlands, moors and marshy ground, well-drained acid moors and heaths

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Scotch heather is a very attractive and popular choice of heather for the garden, being fast-growing and having great color. It looks excellent planted en masse, especially on hills and slopes. Smaller shrubs look good in a rock garden too. It is often combined with dwarf conifers and various deciduous shrubs for variation color and texture.

Symbolism

Independence, wealth and good fortune

Interesting Facts

In the Middle Ages, scotch heather was a crucial ingredient in a beer flavoring mixture similar to modern day hops. The mixture was called gruit, and it was used to flavor beer called heather-beer. Documentation of a heather-beer recipe can be found as early at 1769, where famous naturalist Thomas Pennant wrote about the drink. He wrote that proper gruit was made by creating a mixture comprised of two thirds the tops of scotch heather plants and one third malt.

Name Story

Common heather: The specific epithet vulgaris is latin for "common'". The name heather is believed to have come from the Scottish word haeddre, which was used to describe a heathland or a shrubland habitat. Since it is common shrub, it is called common heather.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Scotch heather, including the following common varieties :

Common heather 'Wickwar Flame'Common heather 'Beoley Gold'Common heather 'Silver Rose'Common heather 'Allegro'Common heather 'Joy Vanstone'Common heather 'Mair's Variety'Common heather 'Dark Beauty'Common heather 'Dark Star'Common heather 'Annemarie'Common heather 'Gold Haze'

Quickly Identify Scotch heather

Needle-like leaves in dense clusters

Purple to pink bell-shaped flowers

Low spreading growth habit up to 2 feet (60 cm) wide and 1 foot (30 cm) tall

Evergreen foliage turning bronze in colder climates

Opposite arrangement of 4 tiny, needle-like leaves

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Care Guide for Scotch heather

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Scotch heather thrives in well-drained soils and enjoys consistent moisture without waterlogging. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry slightly. As an evergreen, scotch heather retains foliage year-round, enhancing its water use efficiency across different climates.

Fertilize: To ensure the health of scotch heather, apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at 1 ounce per yard² in spring and late summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, and reduce feeding as autumn dormancy nears. Water after application to enhance absorption and minimize burn risk.

Pruning: Scotch heather is an evergreen shrub with bell-shaped flowers, thriving in acidic soils. Prune in early spring using sharp shears to remove dead branches and trim new growth to enhance bushiness and blooms. Avoid cutting old wood to maintain plant vitality and reduce disease risk.

Propagation: Scotch heather propagates best in Spring and Summer using cuttings, which is moderately challenging. Success is indicated by established roots, new growth, and healthy foliage. Timing and maintaining optimal moisture are crucial for effective propagation.

Repotting: Repot scotch heather every 2-3 years in spring using a slightly larger container. After repotting, place scotch heather in bright, indirect light and water moderately. Ensure well-draining, acidic soil for optimal growth and health post-repotting.

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Images of Scotch heather

Distribution of Scotch heather

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Scotch heather

Care Guide for Scotch heather

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