Heather 'Athene' Calluna vulgaris 'Athene' (PBR) (Garden Girls Series)
ABOUT
'Athene' is a compact evergreen shrublet with upright stems of tiny linear moderate green leaves. These produce long racemes of small reddish flower buds within a dark red calyx which never open (bud-blooming) from September November
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Heather, Ling, Scots Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Athene' (PBR) (Garden Girls Series).
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Calluna vulgaris 'Athene' features year-round, evergreen foliage that adds consistent interest to gardens.
- Seasonal Flowers: It blooms with striking flowers that can add color to the garden in late summer to fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal plant for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Winter Hardiness: It is tolerant of cold temperatures, capable of surviving in many temperate regions with minimal protection.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility: It is suitable for a variety of landscape applications, including borders, ground cover, and container gardening.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and Art - The vibrant colors and textures of Heather can be captured in photographs, or used as a model for painting and drawing, providing an artistic subject that changes throughout the seasons.
- Erosion Control - Heather's root systems can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in areas with loose soil.
- Bee Gardening - Heather is a great plant to include in gardens aimed at providing food for bees, especially since it flowers at a time of year when other sources may be scarce.
- Groundcover - Heather can be used as a low-maintenance groundcover in gardens, providing a carpet of foliage and flowers that helps suppress weeds.
- Crafts - Dried Heather is often used in making wreaths, decorating candles, or in potpourri blends to add natural fragrance and beauty to crafts and home decor.
- Themed Gardens - Heather can be a central theme in Celtic or Scottish gardens, where the plants can serve as both cultural symbols and design elements.
- Wildlife Habitat - Heather provides shelter for various small animals and insects, enriching local biodiversity.
- Winter Gardens - Heather's resilience in cooler temperatures and evergreen nature makes it suitable for adding winter interest and color to otherwise dormant gardens.
- Boundary Planting - Heather can be used to delineate spaces in landscaping, such as garden paths or property borders, with its dense growth habit.
- Educational Tool - Heather can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant lifecycles, particularly how some plants adapt to less fertile soils and heathland ecosystems.
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: Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as "heather," has traditionally been associated with protection. It was believed to ward off harmful spirits and negative energies when used in bedding or when worn.
- Good Luck: Heather is often considered a good luck charm, symbolizing admiration, luck, and protection. It’s sometimes carried as a talisman or given as a gift to bring good fortune.
- Solitude: Some cultures link heather, especially when found growing alone in wild landscapes, with solitude or seclusion, possibly reflecting the plant's own preference for growing in quiet, undisturbed places.
- New Beginnings: As heather blooms in late summer, it is sometimes seen as a symbol of new beginnings or starting over, representing the resilience and renewal of life.
- Admiration: With its delicate flowers, giving heather can express admiration for someone’s beauty or strength of character.
WaterHeather, including the Calluna vulgaris 'Athene', prefers consistent moisture, so water the plant deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. A good rule is to apply about 1 gallon of water per plant each week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil type. Increased frequency may be necessary during hot, dry periods, and less during cooler, wetter periods. It's essential to avoid overwatering, as heathers are susceptible to root rot. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
LightFor heather, such as the Calluna vulgaris 'Athene', full sun to partial shade is ideal. These plants thrive best when they receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. Avoid deep shade, as this can lead to poor growth and fewer flowers. An ideal spot is one where it can bask in the morning sun and receive some afternoon shade, especially in areas with very hot summers.
TemperatureHeather, like Calluna vulgaris 'Athene', can survive a range of temperatures but typically prefers a cooler climate. The plant is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 10°F and up to around 65°F to 70°F during active growth periods. The ideal temperature range for robust growth and blooming is between 40°F and 60°F.
PruningHeather, including Calluna vulgaris 'Athene', should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Lightly trim back the plants immediately after they bloom, cutting off the spent flower heads. Pruning in late winter or early spring can also help to rejuvenate the plants. Avoid heavy pruning, as heathers do not regenerate well from old wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather, commonly known as Calluna vulgaris 'Athene', thrives best in a well-draining, acidic soil mix with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A mixture of peat, sand, and pine bark will create the ideal conditions for this plant.
RepottingHeather, also known as Calluna vulgaris 'Athene', generally needs to be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure sufficient space for growth and to refresh the potting mix.
Humidity & MistingHeather, or Calluna vulgaris 'Athene', prefers moderate humidity levels, similar to its native habitat. It does well in a natural outdoor range of 40-60% humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, acidic soil, and good drainage for indoor Heather.
Outdoor
Plant in acidic soil, sun to part shade, and well-drained spot for outdoor Heather.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleHeather (Calluna vulgaris 'Athene' (PBR) Garden Girls Series) begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring under adequate moisture and temperature conditions. After germination, the seedling grows into a young plant with fine foliage and a developing root system. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative state where it continues to expand in size and produces the characteristic needle-like leaves. During late summer to autumn, Heather 'Athene' reaches the flowering stage, producing distinctive mauve to purple flowers that are attractive to pollinators like bees. After pollination, the flowers will give way to seed capsules if conditions permit, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. During winter, the plant may become dormant, especially in colder climates, before re-emerging in the subsequent growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method for propagating Calluna vulgaris 'Athene' (Garden Girls Series), commonly known as Heather, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place during the late summer when new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. A cutting, usually about 4 to 6 inches long (which is approximately 10 to 15 centimeters), is taken from a healthy parent plant and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment with indirect light until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted into its permanent location.
