Heather 'Alicia' Calluna vulgaris 'Alicia' (PBR) (Garden Girls Series)
ABOUT
a "bud-blooming" heather to 25cm, with very long-lasting white flowers in late summer and autumn
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Scotch Heather, Ling Heather, Common Heather, Scottish Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Alicia' (PBR) (Garden Girls Series)
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Provides visual interest with its vibrant pink flowers and evergreen foliage, which can enhance the aesthetic of any garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Can withstand periods without water once fully established, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Cold Hardy: Resistant to cold temperatures, allowing it to thrive in cooler climates without significant winter protection.
- Long Blooming Period: Blooms from late summer through fall, offering a prolonged display of color during times when other plants may not be flowering.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, supporting biodiversity.
- Versatility: Suited for various garden styles, including rock gardens, borders, and containers, providing flexibility in landscaping design.
- Soil Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained, acidic soil, making it easier to incorporate into different garden settings.
- Compact Growth: Its relatively small and compact size makes it ideal for small gardens or limited spaces.
- Evergreen: Its foliage remains green throughout the year, providing year-round interest and ground cover.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aromatic Potpourri: Heather flowers can be dried and used to create a fragrant potpourri that freshens up drawers or closets.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and stems of heather can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, yielding various shades of yellow, green or tan.
- Craft Material: Dried heather stems can be woven or worked into decorative wreaths, baskets and other craft items.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried, heather adds texture and interest to both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Honey Production: Heather is a good source of nectar for bees, and the resulting heather honey is highly prized for its flavor.
- Erosion Control: Planting heather on slopes can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its mat-forming habit.
- Wildlife Habitat: Heather plants provide shelter and nesting sites for various wildlife, including insects and ground-nesting birds.
- Faerie Gardens: Owing to its mystical associations, heather can be incorporated into faerie or miniature gardens for a whimsical touch.
- Sleep Aid: Small bags filled with dried heather can be placed under pillows as an old folk remedy believed to aid sleep.
- Photography: Due to its picturesque appearance, heather is often used as a subject or backdrop in nature photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Heather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Heather, which Calluna vulgaris is commonly known as, has long been considered a protective plant. It was believed by ancient people to guard against evil and danger when used in bedding or when carried.
- Good Luck: Heather is also thought to bring good luck, especially when included in wedding bouquets or kept at home, as it's supposed to attract positive energies and fortune.
- Self-Discovery: The flowering of heather in rugged terrains has been symbolically connected to self-growth and personal discovery, representing the resilience needed to thrive in challenging environments.
- Admiration: Heather's persistent flowering and its attractiveness have also made it a symbol of admiration for the beauty and strength found in nature.
- Independence: Given its ability to grow in harsh, open areas, heather has come to symbolize an independent spirit and the capability to stand alone and succeed.
- Solitude: The plant's preference for growing in quieter, uncultivated spaces can also represent solitude and the enjoyment of peaceful, introspective moments.
WaterThe common heather, specifically the 'Alicia' variety, should be watered thoroughly to maintain consistently moist soil, without making it waterlogged. It is best to water the plant early in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Check the top inch of soil for dryness and water if it feels dry to the touch; this may mean watering every other day during hot, dry periods or once a week during cooler weather. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions, watering with 1 to 2 gallons per week is typically sufficient for maintaining good moisture levels.
LightCommon heather thrives in a spot where it receives full sunlight to partial shade, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is adaptable but will produce the best bloom and foliage color in an area that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers.
TemperatureCommon heather is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, with ideal growth occurring between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F and maximum temperatures up to about 75°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPrune common heather in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Pruning is also essential to remove any dead or faded flowers and stems, which can improve the plant’s overall health and appearance. It's recommended to prune annually, cutting back the top third of the plant, and to avoid cutting into old wood that doesn't have green shoots as it may not regenerate.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Heather should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. A combination of peat moss, sand, and garden loam works well.
RepottingHeather generally requires repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. It's best done in the spring before active growth begins.
Humidity & MistingHeather thrives in moderate humidity levels. Avoid overly dry conditions by ensuring it has exposure to fresh air and some ambient moisture, without being damp.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Position in bright, indirect light; keep soil slightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; water regularly; shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleHeather 'Alicia' (PBR) begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, usually in spring, in moist but well-drained acidic soil, often requiring cold stratification to break dormancy. The seedling stage follows, during which the plant develops its root system and first true leaves. As it grows into a young plant, it establishes a woody base and begins vegetative growth, producing needle-like foliage. In late summer or early autumn, 'Alicia' enters the flowering stage, producing characteristic pink to white flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seed capsules, which eventually dry and release seeds to restart the cycle. Throughout its life, 'Alicia' heather goes through annual growth and dormancy cycles, with the plant typically living for several years and becoming more woody and sprawling over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
The most popular method of propagation for Calluna vulgaris 'Alicia' (PBR) (Garden Girls Series), commonly known as Heather, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This process is typically done in late summer. To propagate, cut a 3 to 4 inch (7.6 to 10 cm) length of semi-ripe stem, ensuring it includes a small "heel" of the older wood at the base. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of sand and peat, allowing space between cuttings to prevent fungal issues. The pot needs to be kept in a humid environment, such as a propagator or by covering with a plastic bag. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
