Heather 'Annemarie' Calluna vulgaris 'Annemarie' (d)

Water

The common name for Calluna vulgaris 'Annemarie' is Heather. Heather should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During active growing periods in spring and summer, watering once or twice a week with about 1 gallon per watering session is generally sufficient, depending on the climate and soil drainage. In hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more frequently. In winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil completely dry out. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.

Light

Heather thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. A spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight followed by a dappled shade is ideal for this plant. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.

Temperature

Heather plants prefer a cool temperate climate and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for Heather is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This range supports healthy growth and bloom cycles.

Pruning

Heather should be pruned annually to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. The best time to prune Heather is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Trim lightly, removing old flower stalks and any dead or overgrown branches. Pruning every year will also help prevent the center of the plant from becoming woody.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Annemarie') thrives best in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. A mix of peat moss, sand, and pine bark is ideal for creating the necessary conditions.

Repotting

Heather should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Heather prefers moderate humidity but is tolerant of different humidity levels as long as the soil moisture and drainage are well-managed.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with acidic soil and moderate water.

• Outdoor

  Plant in acidic soil with good drainage and full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  4-6 USDA

Life cycle

The common name for Calluna vulgaris 'Annemarie' is Heather 'Annemarie'. Its life cycle begins with germination, where seeds sprout in well-drained, acidic soil, typically in spring or autumn. Following germination, the seedlings establish themselves, forming a small shrub with green foliage. Heather 'Annemarie' enters a vegetative state where it grows and matures, displaying its characteristic purple or mauve flowers usually from late summer to fall. After the blooming period, the plant sets seed, which are dispersed by wind or wildlife. Heather can live for several years, going through cycles of growth, blooming, and dormancy, typically with reduced activity in the winter months.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to autumn

• The most popular method for propagating Calluna vulgaris 'Annemarie', commonly known as Heather, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. To propagate Heather this way, a gardener would select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a length of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) with a sharp, clean tool. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It's important to provide a humid environment for the cuttings by placing them under a plastic cover or in a propagator until they root, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final location.