Calluna vulgaris 'Anette' (PBR) (Garden Girls Series)

Water

Heather requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water approximately once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions—you want to aim for about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week for an established plant. In hotter, dryer periods, water may be needed more frequently to maintain moisture levels. It's important to reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant; water less frequently, making sure the soil doesn't completely dry out. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness and water accordingly. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Light

Heather thrives in full sun to partial shade. It does best when it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. The best spot for heather is a location where it can enjoy morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.

Temperature

Heather is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, often down to around 14°F. The ideal temperature range for heather is between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive in temperatures up to about 75°F but may struggle in prolonged heat, especially if not adequately watered. As a rule of thumb, heather should be protected from extreme temperatures both hot and cold.

Pruning

Pruning heather is done to maintain its shape and to encourage vigorous growth. Prune the plant immediately after flowering finishes in late spring to prevent cutting off next year's buds. Trimming back the faded flower spikes and lightly shaping the plant will keep it looking full and bushy. Pruning should be done annually to prevent the heather from becoming woody and sparse.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Heather, or Calluna vulgaris 'Anette', thrives best in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A mix of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil in equal parts generally works well. Ensuring good drainage and avoiding overly fertile soils will promote the health of the plant.

Repotting

Heathers, such as Calluna vulgaris 'Anette', typically require repotting every 3 to 5 years. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth starts, using a suitable acidic soil mix as mentioned above.

Humidity & Misting

Heathers, particularly Calluna vulgaris 'Anette', prefer moderate humidity levels. While they can tolerate some dryness, they don't thrive in highly arid or extremely moist environments. Aim for a balance that mimics their natural moorland habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with acidic soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining, acidic soil; full sun to part shade.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

Heather 'Anette' (Calluna vulgaris 'Anette' PBR, Garden Girls Series) begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in a well-draining, acidic soil with plenty of sunlight. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic needle-like leaves and woody stems, entering a vegetative growth phase that can last several years. During this time, the heather plant establishes a strong root system and foliage, preparing for the flowering stage. The mature plant blooms in late summer to autumn, producing spikes of beautiful small, mauve to purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Post-flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, but this cultivar, being a patented vegetatively reproduced variety, is primarily propagated through cuttings to retain its unique characteristics. As winter approaches, heather becomes dormant, with evergreen foliage providing year-round interest, before resuming growth in the spring, completing the annual cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Calluna vulgaris 'Anette', commonly known as Heather, is by semi-ripe cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. To propagate using this method, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a length of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters), ensuring the cutting includes a heel (a small piece of the older wood at the base of the cutting). The lower leaves are stripped off, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and coarse sand or a peat-free alternative, which provides the necessary drainage and aeration required for root formation. The cutting is watered gently and placed in a cold frame or a similarly sheltered spot until roots have developed, after which it can be potted on or planted out.