Overview
Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' is a plant with a low-growing, mound-forming habit in the genus Calluna, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' grows best in full sun, and tolerates acid soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include ground cover, borders and containers.
About
Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' is a low-growing, mound-forming heather with evergreen foliage. It holds compact stems close to the ground and blooms in mid to late summer. Flowering occurs from July to September, with mauve flowers and occasional white forms. Suited to acid, well-drained positions in full sun.
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
In the garden
Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' is a cultivated form of common heather, derived from the species native to much of Europe and Asia Minor. As a member of the Ericaceae it keeps small, scale-like leaves year-round and produces its flower racemes in summer; colours are typically mauve, with occasional white-flowered plants. The species-level habit is low-growing and mound-forming, and 'Miley' follows that pattern. Plant into a sunny, south-facing site on acid, well-drained soil and expose it to open conditions rather than deep shade. It tolerates exposed positions and carries an H6 hardiness rating, which translates to very hardy in UK gardens. Flowering runs from July to September, so place 'Miley' where its summer blooms will be visible from paths or seating areas. Use Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' as a low ground cover, along the front of borders or tucked into containers on a sheltered terrace. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils and give it a free-draining planting medium when grown in pots. After flowering the small blooms set into dry capsules, which remain a tidy record of the season on mature stems.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calluna
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Acid
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Low-growing, mound-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, borders, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calluna vulgaris 'Miley'
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Calluna vulgaris 'Miley'?
Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' need?
Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' grows best in acid soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' hardy in the UK?
Calluna vulgaris 'Miley' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Calluna vulgaris 'Miley'?
Seed, cuttings, division.
More in the Calluna genus
- Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'Springbank'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness'Common Heather