About
Calluna vulgaris 'Springbank' is a cultivar of the low-growing evergreen heather, a member of the Ericaceae. It presents the compact, twiggy habit typical of Calluna and flowers in mid to late summer. The species favours acidic, open sites but will also grow in moderate shade. Flowering occurs 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 'Springbank' belongs to the single-species genus Calluna within the Ericaceae and traces its wild distribution across Europe and Asia Minor, where it dominates heathland and moorland vegetation. The plant is adapted to acidic soils and is commonly found on open, sunny ground and in areas of moderate shade, including acidic pine and oak woodland and some bog communities. Plant into ericaceous or otherwise acid, free-draining soil in a sunny or partially shaded position; avoid heavy lime-rich ground. It tolerates exposure and management by grazing and can regenerate after occasional burning, which explains its persistence on managed moors and heaths. Keep planting away from deep shade where flowering will be reduced. Use Calluna vulgaris 'Springbank' for heather beds, acid rockeries, the front of mixed borders on poor soils, or beneath acid-loving trees where root competition is not intense. Expect flowering from July to September, when the species’ typical mauve racemes (with white forms sometimes seen in the wild) provide late-summer colour and structure.
More in the Calluna genus
- Calluna vulgaris 'Miley'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness'Common Heather