Calluna vulgaris, commonly called Scotch heather, heather or ling, is a small, variably-sized, evergreen shrub that is native primarily to moors, dunes, bogs, heaths and hillsides from northern and western Europe to Siberia, Turkey and Morocco. It has naturalized in parts of North America, particularly in the northeastern U.S. and the Northwest. In optimum growing conditions, it will typically form thick mats of foliage. Tiny, four-ranked, scale-like leaves in overlapping pairs appear on slender stems rising on average to 24” tall. Leaves are typically gray to green in spring and summer but acquire bronze to purple tones in fall and winter. Rose pink to purplish pink flowers appear in mid to late summer.
Low maintenance, evergreen, good fall color and showy. Great for mass plantings, ground covers, rock gardens, borders and as a background plant.
Botanical Name: Calluna vulgaris
Common Name: Scotch Heather, Schottische Heidekraut
Type: Perennial
Flower Color: Rose pink to purplish pink
Flowering Period: July to September
Plant Height: 1-2 ft (30-60 cm)
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirements: Average
Soil Requirements: Normal to dry, well-drained
USDA Zones: 3-9
Sowing Instructions (Cliff Notes Version): Surface sow seeds and press firmly into the soil at 55-70F (12-21C). Constant moisture must be maintained. Do not leave in direct sunlight.. Space 24 in (60 cm) apart. Light is required to germinate.
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