Calluna vulgaris Heather (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Calluna vulgaris
Heather
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Calluna vulgaris plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Heather. Some home gardeners know the variety as Erica vulgaris.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Calluna vulgaris
Common Name:  Heather
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  (L.)Hull.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Acid soils in open woodlands, moors and marshy ground[7].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a light acid soil and a sunny position[138, 182]. Prefers a sunny position but tolerates light shade[186]. Only succeeds if the pH is below 6.5[186]. Prefers a poor peaty soil[11]. Plants are tolerant of fairly dry soils but they dislike prolonged drought[186]. They tolerate wet conditions in the winter[238]. Plants regenerate well from the base after a fire if the heat was not too great, if the fire was slow and intense then new seedlings will quickly become established[186]. Commonly grown in the ornamental garden, there are many named varieties[200, 238]. The flowers are rich in nectar and are very attractive to bees, butterflies and moths[7, 11, 30]. This plant is also an important food source for the caterpillars of many lepidoptera[30].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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