Heather (Calluna vulgaris)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun
• Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Tolerates light shade but may reduce flowering

Bloom Time:

• Mid to late summer (some varieties bloom in late winter or early spring)
• Small, bell-shaped flowers densely packed along the stems
• Long-lasting blooms attract pollinators

Size:

Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet

Attributes:

• Evergreen with needle-like foliage
• Long-lasting blooms in pink, purple, or white
• Foliage may change color in colder months
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Attracts bees and other pollinators
• Excellent for acidic soils, slopes, and rock gardens

Care Tips:

• Requires well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0)
• Avoid heavy clay or alkaline soils
• Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant afterward
• Mulch with pine needles or bark to maintain soil acidity
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness

Pest Watch:

• Generally pest- and disease-resistant
• Watch for root rot in poorly drained soils
• Occasionally affected by spider mites or aphids