Overview
Calluna vulgaris is a bushy shrubs in the genus Calluna, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Calluna vulgaris grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include ground cover, heathland restoration and ornamental borders.
About
Calluna vulgaris, common heather, ling, or simply heather, is the sole species in the genus Calluna in the flowering plant family Ericaceae. It is the dominant plant in most heathland and moorland in Europe, and in some bog vegetation and acidic pine and oak woodland. It is tolerant of grazing and regenerates following occasional burning, and is often managed in nature reserves and grouse moors by sheep or cattle grazing, and also by light burning. In the wild it grows across North America, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belarus and other regions. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates acid soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calluna
About the genus
Calluna vulgaris, common heather, ling, or simply heather, is the sole species in the genus Calluna in the flowering plant family Ericaceae. It is a low-growing evergreen shrub growing to 20 to 50 centimetres tall, or rarely to 1 metre (40 in) and taller, and is found widely in Europe and Asia Minor on acidic soils in open sunny situations and in moderate shade.
Wikipedia contributors, "Calluna", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calluna
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calluna
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Calluna vulgaris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Heathland restoration, Ornamental borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calluna vulgaris
- Propagation
- Seed, Cuttings, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Calluna vulgaris?
Calluna vulgaris prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Calluna vulgaris need?
Calluna vulgaris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Calluna vulgaris grow?
Calluna vulgaris reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Calluna vulgaris hardy in the UK?
Calluna vulgaris has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Calluna vulgaris?
Seed, Cuttings, Division.
More in the Calluna genus
- Calluna vulgaris 'Miley'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'Springbank'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness'Common Heather