Overview
Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness' is a plant with a low-growing, mound-forming habit in the genus Calluna, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness' 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 'Whiteness' is a low-growing, mound-forming evergreen heather in the Ericaceae. It is valued for its white summer flowers, which appear from July to September. The plant suits exposed, south-facing positions on acid, well-drained soils. It establishes as a compact ground cover for borders and containers.
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 'Whiteness' is a cultivar of the single-species genus Calluna in the Ericaceae, notable for its low, mound-forming evergreen shoots and pale summer blooms. Flowering runs from July to September, when the white racemes sit above the foliage and extend the season of interest in the heather bed. Plant it in a sunny, south-facing spot with acid, well-drained soil and good exposure; these are the conditions under which it performs best. The rating H6 means it is very hardy in UK gardens and will tolerate exposed sites that get wind and winter weather. Avoid alkaline soils and waterlogged pockets; free drainage preserves the root environment it prefers. Use Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness' as a low ground cover across a sunny bank, as an edging in mixed borders or in ericaceous containers placed on a warm, sheltered patio. Its evergreen habit provides winter structure, while the white flowers from July to September are useful where a pale, late-summer tone is required in tighter planting schemes.
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 'Whiteness' 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 'Whiteness'
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness'?
Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness' need?
Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness' grows best in acid soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness' hardy in the UK?
Calluna vulgaris 'Whiteness' 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 'Whiteness'?
Seed, cuttings, division.
More in the Calluna genus
- Calluna vulgaris 'Miley'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'R A McEwan'Common Heather
- Calluna vulgaris 'Springbank'Common Heather