Plant care & info

Family: Ericaceae

Genus: Calluna (cal-EW-nuh)

Common Names: Heather, Scotch Heather, Ling

Calluna comes from the Greek word kallunein, meaning to cleanse–probably because the twigs were used to make brooms. Callunas have just a single species, Calluna vulgaris, but over 800 cultivated forms are in existence.Callunas span the whole of Europe, from the western coast to the Ural Mountains, expanding to North Africa & the southern fringe of the Arctic Circle. They’ve naturalized in eastern Canada from seed contained in packaging from early settlers.

Varies from ground-hugging 2”x18” to upright 24”x30”.

Sun, acidic, well-drained moist soil. Soils west of the cascades are acidic due to copious rain, but often drainage is a problem, so adding compost when planting helps. Callunas are tolerant to drought once established.

Small bell flowers during summer in colors ranging from white to pink to crimson. Bud-bloomers are flowers that never mature beyond the bud stage and because of this, maintain their color for a long period. Double flower forms have more petals, so they look like pearl-size balls along the branches.

Evergreen leaves are feathery or sometimes scale-like. Leaf color can be silver, green, gold or variegated, and many Callunas change color in the winter, turning brilliant orange, red or chocolate. Several varieties have red, coral or white new growth in spring.

USDA Zone 5.

Very few. Over watering and dense heavy soils can cause plants to rot or lose foliage in the center. Bugs and diseases are rare in Portland.

Flowers are just the beginning of the story though, because foliage of Calluna, Daboecia and Erica – the species that make up Heaths and Heathers – is incredibly varied. Evergreen leaves can be deep green, but they can also be red, orange, yellow, blue or purple!

Family: Ericaceae

Genus: Daboecia (dab-OH-she-uh)

Origin: Erica is from the Greek word ereiko, meaning‘to break’. Possibly because the stems break easily and possibly because of the medieval belief that it could be used medicinally to dissolve gall stones.Daboecia is found in coastal areas of Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal and the Azore Islands off of the coast of Portugal.

Size: Vary from 8”x20” to 16”x28”

Culture: Sun, part shade, acidic soil, tolerant of drought once established, but prefer even moisture. Trim annually after bloom to keep foliage full.

Hardiness: USDA Zone 6

Problems: Can look straggly if not pruned annually after bloom.

Family: Ericaceae

Genus: Erica (ERR-i-cuh)

Origin: Ericas encompass over 800 species originating from South Africa, Europe & Turkey.

Size: Most Ericas are low-growing shrubs ranging between 12” & 24” tall. Tree heathers (Erica arborea & E. australis) are upright-growing varieties that can reach 20’ in their native habitats. In Portland we see 4-5’ easily, perhaps taller if planted in an area that is not too windy.

Culture: Ericas are happiest in sunny spots with well-drained, moist acidic soil. Several species will adapt to dryness, alkaline soil and partial shade. Prune annually to keep heathers looking full.

Flowers: Small bell-shape flowers can be white, pink, mauve, cerise, magenta or purple. Bloom-time varies per species. For winter and spring flowers, plant Erica carnea or Erica darleyensis. For summer and fall flowers, plant Erica cinerea, Erica griffithsii, Erica stuartii, Erica tetralix, and Erica vegans.

Foliage: Evergreen leaves look like tiny needles and can be green, gold or blue.

Hardiness: Varies per species from USDA Zone 4-9

Problems: Pests and diseases are typically not seen in Portland.

Explore More Heathers & Heaths

Calluna Vulgaris 'Allegro'

Calluna Vulgaris ‘Allegro’

Dark rose pink flowers August – October, green leaves, grows 18″ x 24″.

Calluna Vulgaris 'Firefly'

Calluna Vulgaris ‘Firefly’

One of the best for foliage, ‘Firefly’ has yellow-orange leaves that turn bright red in winter. Flowers are a secondary concern, and they are mauve pink. Grows 18″ x 20″.