About

Calluna vulgaris 'Golden Carpet' is a low-growing evergreen shrub that reaches a height of up to 15 cm. It has a spreading, ground-hugging form and features small, scale-like foliage. In spring, the new growth emerges in a golden yellow-green hue, transitioning to orange and red tones as winter approaches. From late summer through early autumn, this plant produces spikes of small mauve flowers.

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
Moist but well-drained, 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
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

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