Heather
Calluna vulgaris · Ericaceae
📷 Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant heather: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, small scaly gray-green leaves
- Flowering
- August to November, purple, pink or white flowers in clusters
- Adult size
- 0.3 to 0.8 m tall × 0.4 to 1 m wide
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20°C
- Origin
- Europe (heathlands and calcareous areas)
- Soil type
- Acidic, well-drained, low in limestone
Expert tips
The key tip
La callune exige un sol acide (pH 4,5-6) : c'est non-négociable. Si votre terre est calcaire, cultivez-la en pot avec un terreau de bruyère pur, jamais mélangé. L'arrosage doit être régulier mais draîné : elle tolère la sécheresse courte mais pourrit rapidement en sol gorgé d'eau stagnante.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers la plantent en sol neutre ou calcaire, puis s'étonnent qu'elle dépérisse en 2-3 ans ou fleurisse à peine. Un sol inadapté tue lentement mais sûrement la callune.
The pro's trick
Avant de planter en pleine terre, testez votre sol ou jouez la sécurité : cultivez en pot sur un lit de gravier. Vous maîtrisez ainsi l'acidité et le drainage, et vous pouvez déplacer la plante si elle commence à souffrir.
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growth and flowering period, especially in summer. Keep the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture.
Light exposure
Place heather in full sun or partial shade. It develops best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade suits regions with very hot summers.
Soil and potting mix
Heather requires acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 6). Enrich the soil with ericaceous soil or acidic substrate. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root suffocation.
Pruning and cutting
Prune lightly after flowering (November-December) to maintain a compact shape and encourage foliage renewal. Avoid cutting into old wood, as the plant heals poorly.
Fertilizing
Apply a specialized fertilizer for ericaceous plants in spring. Keep fertilizing to a minimum as heather prefers poor soils. Excess nitrogen harms flowering.
Diseases and pests
Heather is generally robust. Watch for spider mite damage in dry conditions. Powdery mildew may appear in excessive humidity. Improve ventilation and avoid overhead watering.
Did you know?
Heather is the floral emblem of Scotland, where it has covered the heathlands for millennia. Its scientific name Calluna comes from ancient Greek 'kalluno' meaning 'to clean', as it was once used to make brooms. It can live over 30 years, becoming a landscape cornerstone in northern regions.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CowberryVaccinium vitis-idaea
- Cross-leaved heathErica tetralix
- Bog rosemaryAndromeda polifolia
- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.