Growing and Caring for Heather Plant Varieties

Growing heather plants can be a rewarding experience, but it requires the right conditions to thrive. They prefer well-drained acidic soil and partial shade, which means they'll do best in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

Heather plants can be quite low-maintenance, but they do need regular watering, especially during their first year of growth. Aim to water them once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Some heather varieties, like the Dwarf Scottish Heather, can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, while others, like the English Heather, prefer more acidic conditions. It's essential to research the specific needs of your heather variety to ensure you're providing the best environment for it to grow.

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Heather plants come in a stunning array of varieties, with over 700 registered cultivars of Calluna vulgaris alone.

The Heather Society's website is a great resource for learning about specific cultivars, with a handy guide to heathers that provides detailed information.

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Heathers are slow-growing evergreen ground covers with very showy flowers in late summer and autumn. Flower color and time of flowering depend on the cultivar.

Some popular varieties include Calluna vulgaris "Elsi Purnell", which grows to 75 cm and has pink-silver flowers, and Calluna vulgaris "Gold Haze", which has white flowers and golden leaves.

Mexican Heather is another popular variety that does well in partial sun and well-draining soil, and can tolerate mild winters.

The Daboecia genus consists of only two species, Daboecia cantabrica and Daboecia azorica, both of which are native to western Europe and the Azores.

The genus Erica has more than 800 species of heaths, most of which are native to South Africa and have long tubular flowers.

Heather plants can be used to attract pollinators to vegetable gardens, and can be planted in containers that can be brought inside for winter protection.

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Heathers generally thrive in zones 5 to 7, but some varieties like Mexican Heather can tolerate marginally heat conditions in zone 7.

Mexican Heather prefers partial sun with a little bit of shade during the hottest part of the day, while others like the unnamed Heather in Example 1 can handle full sun to part shade.

Heathers need well-drained soil with ample organic matter content, and will languish in clay soil. Mexican Heather specifically requires soil that drains well and can't tolerate wet feet.

The pH range for Heathers is generally acidic, but some can tolerate alkaline conditions.

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Plant Needs

Mexican Heather and other plants prefer well-drained soil with ample organic matter content, so make sure to use a mix with plenty of compost.

In terms of moisture, most plants thrive in average to moist conditions, with some needing occasional irrigation during dry spells.

Heathers and other plants can tolerate a range of pH levels, from acid to alkaline conditions, but Mexican Heather does best in acid soil.

Mexican Heather and other plants can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so make sure to protect them from freezing temperatures and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Heathers may occasionally need pruning, which should be done in the after-flowering period to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth.

Planting in zones 5 to 7 can be ideal for some plants, while others prefer zones 4 to 6.

Winter is a great time to grow certain crops, especially those that thrive in cooler temperatures. In regions with mild winters, you can grow crops like Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage from September to May.

The ideal temperature for growing these crops is between 40°F and 70°F. This allows for optimal growth and reduces the risk of pests and diseases.

If you live in a region with cold winters, you can still grow winter crops like spinach, carrots, and radishes. These crops can tolerate light frosts and can be harvested before the ground freezes.

In areas with short winters, you can start planting cool-season crops in late winter to early spring. This gives them a head start on the growing season and allows for multiple harvests.

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Growing in average conditions, heather varieties can thrive with minimal care.

Calluna vulgaris varieties typically grow to a height of 30-60 cm, with some reaching as high as 45 cm.

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The white heather, Calluna vulgaris "Alba", produces white flowers and can grow up to 60 cm tall.

Heather varieties like Calluna vulgaris "Peter Sparkes" and "Robert Chapman" grow to a height of 45 cm and produce dark pink and purple-pink flowers respectively.

Calluna vulgaris "Beole Gold" and "Hirsuta Typica" also grow to a height of 45 cm, with the former producing white flowers and the latter light mauve flowers with silver pilosity.

Some heather varieties, like Calluna vulgaris "Tib", produce dark purple flowers and grow to a height of 45 cm.

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Calluna vulgaris 'Mair's Variety' is a compact cultivar that grows to around 10 inches (25 centimeters) tall, making it a great option for small gardens.

This variety has tall flower spikes with pinkish-purple buds that never fully open, blending perfectly with the dark green foliage.

Calluna vulgaris 'Aphrodite' is another compact plant that grows to a height of 12 inches (30 cm), with striking dark pink buds on its tall flower spikes.

Its long blooming season from late summer to mid-fall makes it a great choice for adding color to your garden over a long period.

Dwarf varieties of Calluna vulgaris include 'White Law', which grows to only 5 cm tall and features white flowers.

Multicolor is another dwarf variety that grows to 10 cm tall and has mauve flowers with green-yellow leaves that display orange and red dyes.

Ericacarnea f. alba 'Whitehall' is a heather that starts to bloom earlier than others, in midwinter, with pure white flowers and a similar habit to 'Isabell'.

It has a height/spread of 10cm x 30cm and hardiness ratings of RHS H7 and USDA 5a-9b.

Ericacarnea 'December Red' is a vigorous and spreading winter-flowering heather with mid-green foliage that forms low, loose mats.

Its pink flowers darken to red-pink as they age, opening in midwinter and lasting to early spring.

It has a height/spread of 10cm x 30cm and hardiness ratings of RHS H7 and USDA 5a-9b.

Daboecia azorica, or Azores heath, is a less cultivated species that grows to 20 cm tall and has strong red flowers.

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It flowers in summer and is hardy in zones 8 and 9.

Daboecia cantabrica, or Connemara heath, St. Dabeoc’s heath, grows to 60 cm tall and has pink-purple flowers that bloom in summer and autumn.

It is hardy in zones 7-9 and has several varieties, including 'Alba', 'Atropurpurea', and 'Bicolor'.

I've fallen in love with the 'Forest Fire' heather, and I think you will too. This variety grows to a height of 18 inches (45 cm), making it a great choice for smaller gardens or containers.

The dark green foliage of 'Forest Fire' is tipped with salmon-pink in spring and summer, adding a pop of color to your garden. This unique foliage is a standout feature of this cultivar.

The mauve bell-shaped flowers of 'Forest Fire' are another reason why I adore this heather variety. They're sure to attract pollinators and add a romantic touch to your garden.

If you're looking to add some variety to your garden, you'll want to consider the different types of heather plants available. There are many to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics.

Calluna vulgaris "Elsi Purnell" is a great option, reaching a height of 75 cm and boasting pink-silver flowers.

Some heather varieties, like Calluna vulgaris "Annie Ann", are relatively compact, growing to just 60 cm in height and featuring mauve flowers.

If you're looking for a heather with a bit of flair, Calluna vulgaris "Gold Haze" is a great choice, with white flowers and golden leaves adding a pop of color to your garden.

For a more subtle look, Calluna vulgaris "Serlei" is a good option, growing to 60 cm and featuring white flowers.

Calluna vulgaris "Wickwar flame" is another compact option, growing to 60 cm and boasting pink-lilac flowers with golden leaves.

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Aurélie Brégeon is a lovely heather variety with lilac-pink flowers that bloom from late autumn to spring.

It has compact plants with mid-green foliage, making it a great choice for pots or small spaces.

This particular variety is a sport of 'Darley Dale', which means it shares some similarities but also has its own unique characteristics.

Aurélie Brégeon is not as hardy as other heather cultivars, so it may require a bit more care and attention.

It's rated as H5 by the RHS and 7a-9b by the USDA, which means it can thrive in a variety of conditions.

The height and spread of Aurélie Brégeon is approximately 30cm x 45cm, making it a compact and manageable addition to any garden.

The Arthur Johnson heather is a lovely choice for any garden. It produces long spikes of magenta-pink flowers that darken from midwinter to mid-spring.

This heather variety has a spreading habit, with mid-green foliage and spring shoots tipped with cream. Its growth habit is quite compact, reaching a height of 45cm and a spread of 60cm.

The Arthur Johnson heather is hardy, with a hardiness rating of RHS H6 and USDDA 6a-8b, making it suitable for a variety of climates.

Robert Chapman is a unique heather variety that stands out for its striking foliage. It's not just the flowers that make this heather special, but its vibrant greenish-yellow leaves in summer.

This heather grows to a manageable height of 18 inches (45 cm), making it perfect for smaller gardens or containers.

Its foliage takes a dramatic turn during the winter months, turning from orange-red to almost dark red.

Ericacarnea 'Clare Wilkinson' is a great choice for adding some vibrant color to your garden. It's a vigorous and trailing heather that can grow quite long, with shoots clothed in mid-green foliage.

This heather produces shell-pink flowers in long spikes, which bloom from late winter through to late spring. That's a long season of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.

If you're looking for a compact option, Ericacarnea 'Clare Wilkinson' is not the best choice, as it can grow quite wide, up to 45cm. Its height, however, is more manageable at 10cm.