About

'Red Fred' is an evergreen heather that grows up to 35 cm in height and can spread to 45 cm in width. In spring, its new foliage showcases a vivid red hue, which frequently lasts into summer before shifting to green. The plant produces flowers in elongated clusters from late summer to early autumn, displaying a lilac-pink coloration.

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
North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

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