Overview
Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Calluna, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden and coastal.
About
Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien' is a bushy, evergreen shrub cultivar of the Calluna genus, known commonly as heather. Like other Calluna plants, it features stems covered in small, overlapping leaves and spike-like clusters of small four-petaled flowers with coloured calyces at their tips. This cultivar thrives in full sun and is hardy to UK zone H7, suitable for a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained and acidic. It is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, patios, rock gardens, and coastal areas, offering winter interest.
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
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Coastal
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien'
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and other fungal diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien'?
Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien' need?
Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien' 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.
Is Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien' hardy in the UK?
Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Calluna vulgaris 'Bob Brien'?
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
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