Heather 'Gold Haze' Calluna vulgaris 'Gold Haze'

Water

Heather 'Gold Haze' prefers a consistent moisture level and should not be allowed to dry out completely. It is important to water this plant deeply, providing it with about 1 gallon of water each week, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water heather plants more frequently to maintain moisture levels. However, ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Overhead watering should be avoided to minimize the risk of fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.

Light

Heather 'Gold Haze' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would be a location where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. Although it can tolerate light shade, too little sunlight may result in fewer flowers and less vibrant foliage color. Therefore, provide a bright spot away from the harsh, midday sun, which can scorch the foliage.

Temperature

Heather 'Gold Haze' is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It performs best in temperatures between 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The maximum temperature for this plant should ideally not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while it can survive short periods of cold down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, avoid placing the plant in conditions where extreme temperatures are common.

Pruning

Heather 'Gold Haze' should be pruned to maintain its shape and promote dense growth. The best time for pruning is immediately after flowering in late winter or early spring, as this allows time for new growth that will produce flowers the following season. Prune lightly, cutting off just the spent flower heads and any straggly growth. Depending on the plant's health and appearance, pruning can be done annually or biennially.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Heather or Calluna vulgaris 'Gold Haze' thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. A mix of peat, sand, and loamy soil in equal parts creates the ideal environment for growth. Regularly adding pine needles or sulfur can help maintain the acidity levels optimal for heather.

Repotting

Heather plants, including Calluna vulgaris 'Gold Haze', generally require repotting every 3 to 4 years. It's best done in early spring before new growth starts, using an appropriate acidic soil mix to ensure health and vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Heathers, like Calluna vulgaris 'Gold Haze', prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive when the surrounding air has a relative humidity of about 40-60%, simulating their native habitat conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temps, and acidic soil for indoor Calluna vulgaris 'Gold Haze'.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, acidic soil, good drainage, protect from harsh winds for outdoor heather.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Scotch Heather 'Gold Haze' begins its life as a seed, which upon germination, develops into a seedling with a basic root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, characterized by the growth of woody stems and needle-like leaves, with a distinctive gold coloration in this cultivar. The plant then reaches the flowering stage, usually in late summer, producing small, bell-shaped flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, these flowers develop into seed capsules, which upon ripening, release seeds for the next generation. Scotch Heather 'Gold Haze' is a perennial, so after the flowering season, the plant enters a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, wherein it conserves energy and prepares for the next growing season. Over the years, the plant continues to grow and expand in size, potentially living for decades under optimal conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The most popular method to propagate Calluna vulgaris 'Gold Haze', commonly known as Heather, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer to early fall. To achieve this, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is taken from a healthy parent plant, ensuring that a few leaves remain at the top. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a mix of peat and perlite or a similar rooting medium and kept in a humid environment with indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks. Proper care is essential during this time to prevent the cutting from drying out or succumbing to rot.