How To Grow

How To Grow And Care For Heather Plant

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The heather plant is a small, evergreen shrub known for its vibrant pink, purple, or white flowers. Including heather in a garden adds year-round color and texture, especially during late summer and fall when many other plants are fading.

It attracts bees and other pollinators, which can help your garden flourish. Heather pairs well with plants like conifers, grasses, and heaths, creating a diverse and beautiful landscape. This guide explains the growing guide and heather plant care.

Heather Plant Specifications

Botanical Name Calluna vulgaris
Height 4-24 inch tall
Spread 1-2 ft. wide
Sun Exposure Full, partial
Soil Requirement Well-drained, and acidic
USDA Growing Zone 4-6
When To Plant Fall or early spring

About Heather Plant

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Heather plants, also known as Calluna vulgaris or simply "ling," are low-growing evergreen shrubs that grow perennially, meaning they last for many years. Belonging to the heath family (Ericaceae), it is commonly found in Europe and Asia, particularly in rocky and mountainous areas.



It has tiny, scale-like leaves and produces beautiful clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white, blooming mostly in late summer and fall. Heather is closely linked with Scotland, where it symbolizes solitude, healing, and good luck.

The plant has various practical uses, serving as a food source for animals like sheep and deer, while its young shoots and seeds are eaten by birds such as the red grouse.

In traditional medicine, heather is used to treat coughs and colds, and its strong scent is utilized in essential oils for soaps and perfumes.

Why Grow Heather Plant?

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Growing heather provides several benefits or opportunities for a gardener. Here are the key reasons to grow heather plants:

  • Low-maintenance, hardy evergreen shrub is available in colors like pink, purple, white, and more, with foliage that can turn yellow, orange, or bronze.
  • Compact size(1-2 feet tall and wide) is ideal for borders, slopes, and containers, attracting bees with bell-shaped flowers.
  • Varieties bloom in every season, providing year-round garden interest and color.
  • Tolerant of poor, acidic, sandy, or loamy soil and even salt spray, making it suitable for coastal areas; prefers well-drained soil and does not need fertile
  • soil.
  • Drought-tolerant plants maintain their natural look once established, requiring little watering and no pruning.
  • It complements many garden styles and pairs well with plants like dwarf conifers with similar growing needs, suitable for landscape beds or containers.

How To Grow Heather?

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Heather plants are typically grown outdoors in well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun, depending on the climate. They can also be grown indoors in containers, especially in cooler climates or during the winter months. To grow heather, you can start with seeds, cuttings, or young plants purchased from a nursery.

Here is a detailed guide to growing calluna heather:

Right Time To Grow

The ideal timing for growing heather varies based on the climate and location. Typically, it's advised to plant heather during the fall or early spring when temperatures are cooler. This gives the plant a chance to settle in before the intense heat of summer or the cold of winter.

In regions with mild winters, heather can be planted throughout the year, although extreme temperatures should still be avoided. Conversely, in areas experiencing harsh winters, it's best to plant heather in spring after the last frost, enabling it to establish before winter arrives.

Right Place To Grow

To grow heather, choose a location that provides full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety. For best results, plant heather in a spot that receives direct sunlight most of the day. If this is not possible, ensure the area receives at least 6 hours of sunlight.

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Additionally, avoid planting heather in areas with harsh winter winds, under trees, or in dry sites, as they can suffer from dehydration.

Steps To Grow

Here's how to grow heather plants:

  • Select the ideal spot with full to partial sun exposure.
  • Ensure the soil is well-draining and acidic, with a pH level below 7.0.
  • Plant in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
  • Partially fill the hole with acidic planting mix or compost.
  • Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root ball is not planted too deep.
  • Water well, and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture.

Propagating Heather

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Propagation is indeed another method of growing heather plants, and it involves creating new plants from existing ones. The most common and reliable method to propagate heather is cutting.

Propagating by Cuttings

This method involves taking a portion of a healthy stem and encouraging it to grow roots to form a new plant. It is the most popular method, as it ensures genetic consistency and has high success rates when done correctly.

The best time to take cuttings is typically in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. You'll need sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, a clean pot or container, rooting hormone(optional), and a well-draining potting mix.

Steps:

  • Cut a 4-6-inch stem from a healthy, non-flowering part of the plant.
  • Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
  • Dip the cutting's base in the rooting hormone.
  • Plant it in a well-draining potting mix or compost in a small pot.
  • Cover the pot to maintain humidity.
  • Put it in a warm, bright spot away from direct sunlight.
  • Watch for root growth in the coming weeks.

How To Care for Heather Plant

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Different types of heather have distinct care needs. However, the common requirement of all types requires minimal care once established, with occasional watering during dry spells and light mulching to retain soil moisture.

It's crucial to recognize that heather is labeled as invasive in certain regions of the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, primarily because it can outcompete native species. Implementing appropriate care and maintenance practices can effectively control its spread.

Here are some care requirements for growing heather:

Light

Heather plants generally need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably full sun, for vibrant color and growth. Some types tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer areas. For instance, Scotch Heather (Calluna) prefers full sun in zones 4 and 5 but benefits from afternoon shade in zone 6.

Heath (Erica) can thrive in varying light conditions, depending on the variety. When planting heather, ensure it gets the right amount of sunlight for its type, considering the time of day and sunlight intensity for optimal growth.

Soil

These plants need well-drained soil with an acidic pH of 4.5 to 5.5, to flourish in environments like peaty bogs and moorlands. They can withstand poor soil conditions and even grow in sandy or rocky areas.

If dealing with heavy clay soil, incorporate ericaceous compost to enhance drainage. Moreover, materials such as bark, compost, coarse sand, or grit can aid in moisture retention and nutrient availability.

Water

They need steady moisture, especially in their initial year. Though mature plants can withstand dry spells, they still thrive with regular watering. Scotch Heather (Calluna) copes better with drought than Heath (Erica) types, which prefer more water.

Deeply water Heather once a week, letting the soil partly dry between waterings. Prevent root rot by not letting plants stand in water. In hot, dry weather, increase watering to prevent wilting.

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Temperature

Heather plants typically prefer temperatures ranging from 35°F (2°C) to 65°F (18°C), with their best growth happening between 45°F (7°C) and 55°F (13°C). While they can endure light frost, they're sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Shield them from direct sunlight, the heat of the day, and extreme cold. Mulching and regular watering are beneficial for maintaining suitable temperature and humidity levels.

Humidity

Maintaining the right humidity balance is crucial for heather plants, especially in warmer climates where humidity can be higher.

They require a relative humidity of 40% to 60%. This range is ideal for optimal growth and health. If the humidity is too low, the plant may suffer from dryness, while high humidity can lead to fungal growth and root rot. 

Fertilization

If heathers are grown in acidic soil with organic matter like peat moss or compost, they require minimal to no fertilization. Excessive fertilization can lead to leggy growth and other issues. If you do choose to fertilize, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half the recommended strength. 

Apply it in early spring, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid fertilizing during the growing season, as this can promote excessive growth and reduce flowering.

Pruning

Incorrect pruning methods can impede growth and disrupt the plant's shape, particularly if performed too vigorously or at inappropriate times. For instance, cutting into exposed wood may hinder new growth, and excessive pruning can result in sparse or leggy areas.

The optimal pruning period varies according to the type of heather. Calluna varieties benefit from pruning in early spring, whereas Erica varieties are best pruned post-flowering or in late autumn.

Over-pruning or pruning at incorrect times can cause harm, underscoring the importance of gentle pruning and solely eliminating dead or damaged growth.

Potting and Repotting

When planting heather in pots, it's vital to select a container with a minimum diameter of 18 inches and proper drainage holes to avoid waterlogged roots. Since potted heathers dry out faster than those in the ground, they require more regular watering.

Typically, repotting isn't necessary because heathers prefer a snug fit in their pots. Yet, if the plant becomes rootbound or the soil loses its nutrients, consider repotting in early spring using a slightly larger container and fresh acidic potting mix.

Winter Care

During winter, heathers usually enter a dormant phase, causing their leaves to often brown or recede. To counteract this, shield potted heathers by wrapping them in polystyrene foam and applying a thick layer of straw mulch.

Alternatively, smaller pots can be brought indoors and cultivated under grow lights or positioned close to a window with indirect sunlight.

Varieties of Heather

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There are several varieties of heathers, which are distinguished by their foliage type, winter hardiness, and flower colors. Since some types of heather are considered invasive, it is essential to carefully consider the specific type of heather you are planting and ensure it is not listed as invasive in your local area.

Here are the different types of heathers, their descriptions, heights, and best-grown areas:

Calluna

Calluna species have small, flat, green leaves and are known for their beautiful foliage colors that change with cold weather. They are very hardy and thrive in acidic soils with good drainage.

  • Height: 4–12 feet
  • Best grown: Outdoors in well-drained, acidic soil with full sun

Erica

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Erica species have needle-like leaves and are known for their small, bell-shaped flowers in white, pink, mauve, cerise, magenta, or purple. They are also less hardy than Calluna species.

  • Height: 6–24 inches
  • Best grown: Outdoors in well-drained, acidic soil with partial shade

Tree Heathers

Tree heathers are upright-growing varieties that can reach up to 20 feet in their native habitats. They are known for their evergreen leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers in white, pink, or purple.

  • Height: 20 feet
  • Best grown: Outdoors in well-drained, acidic soil with full sun

Daboecia

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They have dark green, glossy leaves and are known for their large, bell-shaped flowers in white, pink, red, magenta, or purple. They are less hardy than Calluna species.

  • Height: 6–24 inches
  • Best grown: Outdoors in well-drained, acidic soil with partial shade

Winter Heather

Winter heather blooms from November to May, producing small, bell-shaped flowers in white, pink, or purple. They are known for their evergreen leaves and are a good choice for winter interest in the garden.

  • Height: 4–12 feet
  • Best grown: Outdoors in well-drained, acidic soil with full sun

Ways To Encourage Heather Flower Bloom

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The bloom month of heather flowers typically varies depending on the specific variety, but they commonly bloom from late summer through fall. When in full bloom, heather flowers form small clusters of bell-shaped blossoms in various colors, such as pink, purple, or white.

Here are some ways to encourage more blooms on heather plants:

  • Trim heather plants lightly after blooming to encourage new growth, avoiding old wood to maintain future flowering potential.
  • Deadheading faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
  • Maintain a proper care regime for the plant to grow and flourish well.

Common Pests and Diseases

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Heathers are generally resistant to many pests and diseases, but they can still encounter some issues under certain conditions. Common factors that can make heathers susceptible to pests and diseases include poor growing conditions, such as overly wet or poorly drained soil, and overcrowding.

Pests

  • Heather Beetle (Lochmaea suturalis): The larvae of this beetle can defoliate heather plants, causing significant damage.
    • Prevention: Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural control method.
  • Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling on foliage and webs on the plant.
    • Prevention: Use a strong spray of water to dislodge spider mites, or apply insecticidal soap.
  • Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can distort foliage and spread viruses.
    • Prevention: Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.

Diseases

  • Root Rot: Overly wet or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, which can cause wilting and decline in heather plants.
    • Prevention: Remove and destroy infected plants.
  • Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on foliage, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor.
    • Prevention: Plant heathers in areas with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
  • Phytophthora Root Rot: This soil-borne disease can cause wilting, yellowing foliage, and eventual death of the plant.
    • Prevention: Plant heathers in well-draining soil and avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging.