Heather

(Calluna vulgaris)

Heather (Calluna vulgaris)

Robert Flogaus-Faust

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Robert Flogaus-Faust

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Robert Flogaus-Faust | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 | Uploader: Robert Flogaus-Faust | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Calluna_vulgaris_RF.jpg | Notes: {{Information |description={{en|common heather (''Calluna vulgaris'')}} |date=2020-08-12 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/107991844 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/users/737697 Tomas P.] |permission= |other versions= }} {{Location|59.47102

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as Heather, is an evergreen shrub native to a variety of habitats including open heathlands, moorlands, bogs, and mountain slopes across Europe. It typically grows to a height of 20–50 cm (8–20 inches) and a similar width, with a dense, mat-forming growth habit. Heather blooms profusely from July to September, with small, bell-shaped flowers that are usually mauve but can also be found in white and occasionally in double-flowered forms. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Heather is valued for its hardiness, low maintenance, and year-round foliage interest, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, rock gardens, and borders. It is particularly noted for its ability to thrive in acidic, nutrient-poor soils and its resistance to deer browsing. In cultivation, it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it requires well-drained, acidic soil. Heather is also used in traditional medicine and for brewing beer. While it is generally disease-resistant, root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. It is not typically invasive but can become dominant on heathlands if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 0.5-2 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
Flowering Season: Fall, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open heathlands, moorlands, bogs, and mountain slopes across Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Ling, Scotch Heather, Scots Heather, Red-Heath, Common Heather, Scottish Heather, Red Heather, Hedelyng, Heidekraut, Besenheide

Scientific Names: , Calluna vulgaris, Erica vulgaris, Calluna atlantica, Calluna vulgaris var. alba, Calluna erica, Calluna vulgaris subsp. elegantissima, Calluna vulgaris var. pubescens, Calluna vulgaris var. albiflora, Calluna vulgaris f. alba

GBIF Accepted Name: Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull