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Calluna vulgaris
Scotch Heather
Europe (Britain, Scandinavia south to Mediterranean), Turkey, Morocco; naturalized in northeastern North AmericaLearn more
Overview
Calluna vulgaris is Scotch heather (common heather, ling), the only species in the genus Calluna — growing 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall and 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) wide. Scale-like tiny overlapping leaves 0.1 inch (2–3 mm) along wiry stems — the foliage color varies by cultivar: green, gold, orange, red, or silver. Many cultivars change foliage color seasonally (e.g., 'Firefly' is gold in summer, orange-red in winter). Dense terminal racemes 2–8 inches (5–20 cm) of tiny bell-shaped flowers 0.15 inch (4 mm) in pink, purple, white, or red from late summer through fall (August–October), lasting 6–8 weeks. In the heath family (Ericaceae). Distinguished from Erica (heath): in Calluna, the 4-part calyx is longer than and conceals the corolla; in Erica, the corolla is longer and visible. Acidic soil required (pH 4.5–6.0) — intolerant of alkaline soil, heavy clay, and waterlogging. The dominant moorland plant of the British Isles and Scandinavia, covering millions of acres of open upland. Hundreds of cultivars — 'bud-blooming' types (flowers remain as closed buds, extending the color display) are the longest-lasting. Annual shearing in early spring by one-third is required — unsheared plants become leggy and bare at the base within 3–4 years. Non-toxic — heather honey is a traditional product. Deer-resistant. Full sun (6+ hours). Zones 4–8. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Europe from Britain and Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean, Turkey, and Morocco, growing on open moorland, heathland, and acid bogs. Naturalized in northeastern North America.Suggested Uses
Grown in heath gardens, rock gardens, and as groundcover in zones 4–8. Acidic soil required. The late-summer flowers and the seasonal foliage color changes are the features. 'Bud-blooming' types for extended display. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Late summer to fall (August–October), lasting 6–8 weeks. Tiny bell-shaped flowers in dense terminal racemes. 'Bud-blooming' cultivars (flowers remain as closed buds) extend the display. The seasonal foliage color changes in many cultivars are the year-round secondary feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink, purple, white, or red; tiny bell-shaped, 0.15 inch (4 mm), in dense terminal racemes 2-8 inches (5-20 cm)Foliage Description
Scale-like, tiny, 0.1 inch (2-3 mm), overlapping along the stem; green, gold, orange, red, or silver depending on cultivar; many cultivars change foliage color seasonallyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Acidic soil pH 4.5–6.0 — intolerant of alkaline soil, heavy clay, and waterlogging. Shear by one-third in early spring annually (unsheared plants become leggy). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4–8.Pruning
Shear the entire plant by one-third in early spring (March–April), removing previous year's flower stems. This annual shearing is non-optional — unsheared plants become leggy and bare at the base within 3–4 years. Do not cut into old bare wood (it will not regenerate).Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons