Overview
Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Calluna, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ground cover, rock gardens and containers.
About
Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' is an evergreen heather cultivar in the family Ericaceae with a well-branched habit. It suits a sunny, south-facing and sheltered position on acidic, sandy, well-drained soil. Rated H7 (fully hardy in the UK), it is useful as ground cover, in rock gardens and in containers. It flowers from July to September.
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 'R A McEwan' is an evergreen cultivar of heather within the Ericaceae. Its form is compact and well-branched, supplying year-round structure in the garden while retaining foliage through the seasons. Flowering takes place from July to September. Plant in full sun on an acidic, sandy, freely draining substrate; a south-facing, sheltered spot reduces exposure to drying winds and gives the best floral display. The H7 hardiness rating means this cultivar is fully hardy across the UK without the need for winter protection where soils are free-draining. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained positions where root rot can occur. Use Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' as a living ground cover to knit into heather beds or on a rock garden slope where its evergreen habit fills gaps. It also performs well in containers sited on a protected, sunny patio. Its compact branching habit suits interplanting with other acid-loving rock garden plants and bulbs. Expect summer flowering from July to September, when the plants will be at their most floriferous.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calluna
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, rock gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan'
- Propagation
- Seed, softwood cuttings, division, layering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan'?
Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' need?
Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' grows best in sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' hardy in the UK?
Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan' 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 'R A McEwan'?
Seed, softwood cuttings, division, layering.
More in the Calluna genus
- Calluna vulgaris 'Miley'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'Springbank'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness'Common Heather