Also known as Scotch heather, an evergreen ground cover or low shrub for sun, blooms during late summer in various shades of red or pink. Heather thrives in USDA zones 3 to 9. This low-growing shrub definitely demonstrates year-round beauty, whether from its abundant summer blooms or its ever-changing foliage. Heather works great for use in sun-soaked garden spots from the border to along the driveway.
Heathers grow in nutrient poor, well-draining, acidic soils, in a bright sunny location. Calluna vulgaris will do very poorly in alkaline soils. When planting in the ground, space out the plants about 24 inches apart. Plant out in early fall or spring.
At spring, pruning of the dead dry stems produces fresher looking plants, cut the old stems off close to the ground. It is recommended to mulch before the onset of winter to protect from damage caused by the cold temperatures and wind.
Heather seeds are very small and should be surface sown and the soil needs to remain moist, with watering best done from below if possible.
Grows to about 24-36 inches tall. Normally takes about 28-35 days to germinate in 50-72 degree soil.