Heather Calluna vulgaris 'County Wicklow' (d)
ABOUT
The plant commonly referred to as 'Heather' or 'Scotch Heather' possesses a distinctive and charming appearance. This variety, called 'County Wicklow,' features evergreen foliage that sustains a lush presence throughout the year. Its small, needle-like leaves are densely packed along the stems, creating a fine-textured effect. The foliage often takes on an attractive hue that can provide visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom. During its flowering season, 'County Wicklow' produces an abundance of small, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms typically display a delicate pink to purple color, enchanting onlookers with their soft, pastel shade. The flowers are arranged in racemes, which means they form a sort of elongated cluster along the stems. This flowering habit makes the plant particularly showy, as the blooms cover much of its surface, creating a striking visual display. Heather is well-regarded for its ability to provide year-round interest and is often celebrated for the enchanting appearance that can brighten up gardens across various seasons. With its evergreen nature and lovely floral display, 'County Wicklow' is a prized variety among heather enthusiasts and gardeners seeking to add long-lasting beauty to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Scotch Heather, Ling Heather, Scottish Heather, Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris.
ToxicityTo humans
Heather is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the heather plant usually does not lead to poisoning or adverse health effects.
To pets
Heather is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. If pets ingest this plant, it typically does not result in poisoning or any serious health issues. However, as with any non-food plant, individual animals might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of heather.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
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- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers offer nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Landscape Ornamentation: With its beautiful purple-pink flowers, it adds aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for dry conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond initial planting and appropriate watering.
- Soil Stabilization: Helps prevent soil erosion on slopes due to its low-growing, spreading habit.
- Extended Blooming Season: It has a long flowering period from late summer to fall, providing color when other plants fade.
- Winter Interest: Its evergreen foliage and woody stems add texture and color to the winter landscape.
- Habitat Creation: Can be used in heath and heather gardens to mimic and create natural habitats.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to browsing by deer, which is beneficial in areas where deer are prevalent.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Heather is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Diuretic: It has been used to increase urine production and relieve fluid retention.
- Antiseptic: Heather has been used for its antiseptic properties, particularly in urinary tract infections.
- Detoxification: Heather has a reputation for detoxifying properties, particularly related to the kidneys and bladder.
- Mild Sedative: Occasionally used for its mild sedative effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Heather can be used as a natural dye for wool or textiles, producing a range of colors from yellow to green, depending on the mordant used.
- The plant is often included in honey bee gardens for its nectar, resulting in a unique flavored honey known as heather honey.
- Calluna vulgaris 'County Wicklow', due to its dense growth, can be utilized to create low, decorative hedges in landscaping.
- During traditional festivals, heather is sometimes used to craft flower crowns or boutonnieres for cultural ceremonies.
- Heather twigs and stems can be woven into artistic sculptures or used as the base for creating brooms and brushes.
- The flowers can be used to craft natural potpourri, often combined with other herbs and flowers to create a pleasant scent.
- In some rural areas, dried heather has historically been used to stuff mattresses and pet bedding due to its softness.
- Heather can be used as a form of ground cover in gardens to prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth naturally.
- Calluna vulgaris is sometimes used in model railroading and diorama making for creating realistic landscapes and scenery.
- Traditional crafters may use the branches and flowers of heather to decorate candles or embed in hand-made soaps for texture and visual appeal.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHeather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHeather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The common name Heather, related to Calluna vulgaris 'County Wicklow', has often been associated with protective qualities, believed to safeguard from harm and danger.
- Good Luck: Heather is commonly seen as a bringer of good fortune, especially in Scotland where it grows prolifically in the highlands.
- Independence: The plant's ability to thrive on the barren moorlands implies a symbolism of self-reliance and independence.
- Solitude: Heather's preference for the open, quiet moorlands also symbolizes a love for solitude and peace.
- Beauty: Heather blooms bring a splash of beauty to otherwise dreary landscapes, symbolizing the idea that beauty can be found in even the most desolate of places.
- New Beginnings: As heather often flourishes in places that have been burned, it is associated with new beginnings and the regeneration of life.
WaterHeather requires consistent moisture, so water it deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. During hot or windy weather, you may need to water more frequently. Provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each plant at each watering to ensure the soil is moistened thoroughly. Be careful not to overwater as Heathers do not like soggy conditions. In the winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot, especially if the plant is in a colder climate or the ground remains wet.
LightHeather thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot would be an area that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, as too much intense sun can scorch the foliage. However, the plant is capable of adapting to varying light conditions and can also do well in areas that are lightly shaded.
TemperatureHeather is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it does best in moderate climates. The ideal temperature conditions are between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from severe winter conditions. Heathers prefer not to be exposed to the extreme heat of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as it can stress the plants.
PruningPrune Heather annually to promote robust growth and prevent it from becoming woody. The best time to prune is in early spring after the last frost but before new growth starts, or immediately after flowering. Cut back the previous year's growth by about one-third to one-half, being careful not to cut into old wood, as Heather does not always regenerate from old stems. Pruning helps maintain an attractive shape and encourages the development of new shoots.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScotch heather thrives in an acidic soil mix with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. An ideal mix would be equal parts peat moss, perlite, and pine bark fines to ensure good drainage and aeration, while maintaining the necessary acidity.
RepottingScotch heather should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and allow room for growth, preferably in the spring just before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingScotch heather prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate some dry air. Aim for relative humidity around 40-60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with acidic soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained, acidic soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as Heather or Scotch Heather, begins with seed germination, which occurs in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. Once germinated, the seedlings grow into young plants, establishing a root system and producing shoots that will develop into the familiar woody stems. As the Heather matures, it enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, leading to the formation of dense shrub-like vegetation. The plant then reaches the reproductive stage, usually in its second year, where it produces small, bell-shaped flowers typically in late summer to early autumn. After pollination, these flowers give way to seed capsules containing the seeds that will disperse and potentially give rise to new Heather plants. Finally, Heather enters a period of senescence after several years where the older stems may die off, but it can continue to live and reproduce for many years with new growth emerging from the base of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
The most popular method of propagation for Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'County Wicklow') is through semi-ripe cuttings. This practice is typically done in late summer. Cuttings should be about 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) in length, taken from the current year's growth. The lower leaves are stripped, and the base of the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a mix of peat and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The container with cuttings should be kept in a well-lit area, out of direct sunlight, and maintained at a consistent moisture level. Roots usually develop within a few weeks to a few months, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots.
