Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Darkness'
ABOUT
The plant known as heather features small, scale-like evergreen leaves that are typically a few millimeters long. Its foliage is densely packed along the branches, creating a tight, bushy appearance. The variety 'Darkness' is notable for its dark foliage, which can be a deeper green tinged with purple to almost black, depending on the season and lighting conditions. This gives the plant a dramatic and rich aesthetic. In addition to its striking leaves, the heather 'Darkness' bursts into a profusion of tiny bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are characteristically deep purple to violet, further enhancing its name 'Darkness.' The blossoms are arranged in racemes, creating a visually pleasing pattern as they spread across the plant's branches. The contrast between the dark leaves and the vivid purple blooms makes this plant a distinctive and attractive choice for gardens and landscaping. The overall impression of heather 'Darkness' is one of a lush, colorful plant that maintains a consistent display of beauty through its foliage and flowers. Its dramatic appearance is well-suited for gardeners looking to add contrast or a focal point to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Scotch Heather, Ling Heather, Scottish Heather, Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Darkness'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heather is generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingestion of the plant does not typically result in harmful effects.
To pets
Heather is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not commonly associated with poisoning, and ingestion should not result in significant symptoms or consequences. However, as with any non-food plant, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and consumption of large amounts might cause gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
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: Adds a vibrant purple color to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy or novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive in dry conditions without frequent watering.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
- Soil Erosion Control: Helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in challenging garden spots.
- Year-Round Interest: Provides visual interest throughout the year, with evergreen foliage and seasonal blooms.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used for groundcover, borders, or as part of a rock garden.
- Long Blooming Period: The heather flowers from late summer to autumn, offering a prolonged display of color.
- Cold Hardy: Resilient in colder climates and can withstand frost, making it suitable for many temperate regions.
- Companion Planting: Pairs well with other plants, such as conifers and grasses, for a varied garden design.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Calluna vulgaris has historically been used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antiseptic: It has been utilized for its natural antiseptic qualities.
- Diuretic: This plant has diuretic effects which has made it useful in herbal medicine.
- Mild astringent: The plant has been used for its astringent action.
- Treatment for urinary tract disorders: It has been employed in traditional medicine to support urinary tract health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Calluna vulgaris 'Darkness', commonly known as heather, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing shades of yellow, green, or tan depending on the mordant used.
- In beekeeping, heather is valued for its late summer blossoms which provide a source of nectar that results in a strongly flavored, jelly-like honey known for its high quality.
- Heather is used in traditional crafts, as its durable stems can be woven into baskets, brooms, and even small pieces of furniture.
- The plant plays a role in wildlife ecology, offering shelter and habitat for numerous insects, birds, and animals in its native environments.
- Heather can be dried and used in the creation of aromatic sachets which impart a mild and pleasant fragrance to stored clothing and linens.
- Gardeners utilize heather as ground cover to control soil erosion, due to its dense root system and hardy nature.
- In the brewing industry, heather has been historically used as a flavoring agent in the production of heather ale, a traditional Scottish beer.
- The branches of heather are often included in floral arrangements, wreaths, and decorations for their texture and muted color palette.
- Heather is incorporated in landscape restoration projects, especially in the UK, to reconstruct heathland environments that have ecological significance.
- In festive occasions, heather is symbolically used in Scotland as a decoration for good luck, particularly in bridal bouquets and boutonnieres.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHeather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as heather, is often associated with protective properties, possibly due to its dense growth habit which provides shelter for wildlife.
- Good fortune: Heather is said to bring good luck, especially when white, and is sometimes carried as a lucky charm.
- Admiration: Due to its hardiness and ability to thrive on barren moors, heather represents admiration for someone's resilience and strength.
- Solitude: Its natural habitat in lonely moorlands associates heather with solitude and the enjoyment of being alone.
- New beginnings: As a plant that can regenerate and bring life back to desolate areas, heather symbolizes new starts and fresh beginnings.
WaterThe common name for Calluna vulgaris 'Darkness' is Heather. Heather prefers consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water your Heather when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to 1 gallon of water per plant every week during growth periods in spring and summer. However, during the colder months, reduce watering to every two weeks, adjusting for rainfall and changes in temperature. Avoid overwatering as Heather does not like soggy conditions, ensuring the soil is well-draining.
LightHeather thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It is best to place the plant in a spot where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense, possibly damaging heat.
TemperatureHeather is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, with it being able to survive in conditions as low as 20°F and as high as 80°F. The ideal temperature range for Calluna vulgaris 'Darkness' is between 60°F and 70°F. Protect the plant from extreme cold by offering mulch or other insulation if temperatures dip below its survival range.
PruningHeather benefits from light pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Trim your Heather after it has finished flowering, usually in late summer or early fall. It's recommended to prune annually, removing only the top one-third of growth to prevent the plant from becoming woody at the base.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather (Calluna vulgaris 'Darkness') thrives in acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0. A well-draining mix, with peat moss and sand or perlite, enhances growth. Amend garden soil with ericaceous compost for outdoor planting.
RepottingHeather should be repotted every two to three years or when outgrowing its container. Early spring before new growth starts is the ideal time for repotting.
Humidity & MistingHeathers prefer moderate humidity levels. While they can tolerate some dry air, consistent humidity is beneficial, avoiding excessively dry or damp conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, cool temperatures, and ensure high acidity soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, acidic soil, well-drained, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-6 USDA.
Life cycleHeather 'Darkness' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, after germination, develops into a small seedling. The seedling grows into a mature plant characterized by dark green foliage and purplish-pink flowers that typically bloom from late summer to fall. As a perennial, it enters a period of dormancy during the winter, with growth slowing or ceasing and above-ground parts sometimes dying back, depending on the climate. In spring, new growth emerges from the root system or from surviving stems, continuing the cycle. Over time, Heather 'Darkness' may become woody and less vigorous, at which point propagation through cuttings or division may be necessary to rejuvenate and maintain the plant's vitality. After several years, the plant may eventually reach the end of its life span and die, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as heather, is typically propagated by semi-ripe cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is from midsummer to early autumn, when the plant has partially matured wood. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would take a 2 to 4 inch (approximately 5 to 10 cm) piece from the tip of a stem, strip the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This is then placed in a mix of peat and perlite or sand to encourage root growth. The cutting should be kept moist and in a well-lit area out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, after which it can be transplanted into a more permanent location.
