Heather 'Beoley Gold' Calluna vulgaris 'Beoley Gold'
ABOUT
'Beoley Gold' is a low-growing evergreen shrub with bright yellow foliage and short erect racemes of white flowers
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Beoley Gold Heather, Scots Heather, Scottish Heather, Ling Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gold
Flower color
Pink
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- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Beoley Gold' variety of Scotch Heather offers year-round visual interest with its golden yellow foliage and mauve flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Scotch Heather is known for requiring minimal maintenance once established, making it a practical choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in areas with less rainfall or for those looking to conserve water.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of Scotch Heather attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Ground Cover: Scotch Heather can act as a natural ground cover, reducing weed growth and helping to prevent soil erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: With its changing foliage colors and blooming pattern, Scotch Heather provides interest across different seasons.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in various landscaping designs including rock gardens, borders, and as a complement to other shrubs and perennials.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in a range of climates, capable of withstanding cold temperatures, which makes it suitable for planting in many temperate regions.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Heather, the common name for Calluna vulgaris, is known to contain compounds with antioxidant properties, which can help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory: Heather has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory effects, which might help in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Diuretic: The diuretic properties of heather may aid in promoting the excretion of urine, which can support kidney function and urinary health.
- Antimicrobial: Heather is believed to possess antimicrobial activities that could potentially help it fight against certain pathogens.
- Sedative: Historically, it has been used for its sedative effects, which might help in alleviating anxiety and promoting sleep.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Calluna vulgaris 'Beoley Gold', commonly known as Scotch heather, can be used in model railroad landscaping to represent small bushes or trees.
- Scotch heather dried flowers are often incorporated into potpourri mixes for their texture and ability to hold fragrance.
- The plant's branches may be used in basket-weaving, providing a natural and rustic look to handmade baskets.
- Scotch heather is sometimes employed in photography as a foreground element to enhance depth and add color to landscape photos.
- As a natural dye, the flowers of the Scotch heather can be used to create a range of colors, from yellow to green, depending on the mordant used.
- The plant's dense growth habit makes it suitable as a natural ground cover in miniature garden or fairy garden setups.
- Scotch heather can be used in fabric or leather crafts to imprint a pattern or texture onto the surface of the material.
- Beekeepers sometimes plant Scotch heather nearby to provide an additional nectar source for bees, indirectly supporting honey production.
- When dried and pressed, the flowers of Scotch heather add an ornamental element when used in the crafting of bookmarks and greeting cards.
- The branches of the Scotch heather are used in traditional roof thatching in some regions, contributing to the insulation and aesthetic of thatched cottages.
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, the common name of Calluna vulgaris, is often associated with protection in folklore. It was believed to guard against harm and danger when carried or grown.
- Good Fortune: Heather is also a symbol of good luck, and it was thought to bring fortune and happiness, particularly to those who keep it in their homes.
- Admiration: The plant represents admiration and is given as a way to express one's respect and fondness towards another person.
- Solitude: Heather can symbolize solitude or a preference for living away from the crowd due to its natural habitat in remote moorlands and heaths.
- New Beginnings: The blooming of heather, particularly in the wild, is often seen as a herald of new beginnings or starting anew.
- Independence: The hardiness and ability of heather to thrive in harsh conditions make it a symbol of independence and self-reliance.
WaterHeather, specifically the 'Beoley Gold' variety, prefers consistent moisture without being waterlogged. It's important to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which might be once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Use approximately one gallon of water per plant for each watering session, ensuring the soil is moistened evenly throughout the root zone. During the growing season, increase watering frequency, especially in hot, dry periods. However, reduce watering in the winter to prevent root rot.
LightThe 'Beoley Gold' heather thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it can receive at least four to six hours of sunlight a day. However, too much intense midday sun can stress the plant, so a spot with morning sun followed by afternoon dappled shade can be very beneficial.
Temperature'Beoley Gold' heather is quite cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to 20°F, but should not be exposed to prolonged periods below this point. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 60°F and 70°F during the growing season. Extreme heat above 75°F can stress the heather, so it's important to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day in very warm climates.
PruningPruning heather, such as 'Beoley Gold', is important to encourage bushy growth and prevent the center from becoming woody and bare. Lightly prune the plant immediately after flowering, which is typically in late spring for this variety. Remove spent flowers and lightly shape the plant, but avoid cutting into old wood as heather does not regenerate well from old wood. Annual pruning will help maintain a compact, attractive shape and promote vigorous growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScotch heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Beoley Gold') thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and pine bark is ideal for ensuring good drainage and maintaining the low pH level necessary for the plant's growth.
RepottingScotch heather should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. Younger heather tends to grow quickly and may need more frequent repotting, while established plants can remain in the same pot longer.
Humidity & MistingScotch heather prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions, provided there is good air circulation and the soil is not allowed to become waterlogged. An environment similar to its native moorland, with outdoor humidity, is ideal.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and moist acidic soil for indoor Scotch heather.
Outdoor
Full sun, acidic soil, good drainage, and protection from harsh winds suit outdoor Scotch heather.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleCalluna vulgaris 'Beoley Gold', commonly known as 'Beoley Gold' Scotch heather, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in well-drained acidic soil in a location with full sun to partial shade. After germination, the seedling develops into a small shrub, establishing a deep root system and beginning to produce the characteristic golden-yellow foliage. As the plant matures, it reaches its full size of approximately 20 inches tall and 24 inches wide, with dense, leafy growth and numerous small, pink flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. The flowers are pollinated by various insects, leading to the production of seed capsules that release seeds when mature, propagating the next generation. In winter, the plant may experience dieback of some foliage but typically remains evergreen, showing resilience to colder temperatures. Regular pruning in early spring encourages new growth and helps maintain a compact, attractive shape throughout the plant's life, which can span several years with proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Heather, specifically Calluna vulgaris 'Beoley Gold', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is typically done in late summer to early fall. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length and taken from healthy, vigorous plants. The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a mixture of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. The container should be placed in a bright area but out of direct sunlight, and kept consistently moist. Roots usually develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.
