About

Calluna vulgaris 'Gold Knight' is a robust, low-growing evergreen shrub, reaching a height of up to 45 cm. It features erect stems adorned with small, soft, scale-like leaves. When grown in full sunlight, the new foliage emerges in a bright lime green, accentuated with a rich golden hue, transitioning to a deep red as winter approaches. This variety produces elongated clusters of tiny, pale lavender blooms that appear in late summer and persist into early autumn.

About the genus

Calluna consists of compact, evergreen shrubs that feature stems covered in small, overlapping leaves. At their tips, these plants bear spike-like clusters of diminutive, four-petaled flowers, each adorned with colored calyces.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Coastal

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for more detailed advice
Pruning
Pruning group 10, in spring
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer, or by layering in spring
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and other fungal diseases