Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Golden Fleece'
ABOUT
Calluna vulgaris 'Golden Fleece', commonly known as Scotch heather or simply heather, is a striking evergreen shrub known for its unique foliage and flowers. It bears small, scale-like leaves that are often a golden-yellow color, especially when receiving plenty of sunlight. These leaves provide a vibrant contrast to the green landscape throughout the year, adding visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom. The foliage of 'Golden Fleece' can also have hints of green or orange, depending on the season and environmental factors. The leaves are densely packed along the stems, creating a fine, textured appearance that is both soft to the touch and appealing to the eye. During its blooming period, 'Golden Fleece' produces small, bell-shaped flowers that grow in racemes, resembling tiny pink or purple spikes. These flowers are delicate and add a pop of color to the plant, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The long-lasting blooms can cover the shrub, creating a stunning display that contrasts beautifully with the golden foliage. This variety of Scotch heather has an overall bushy and compact growth habit, with its branches spreading outwards and creating a dense mat-like form. As a garden specimen, it is often valued for its low maintenance nature and its ability to provide year-round interest through both its colorful foliage and its attractive, long-lasting flowers. The combined characteristics of 'Golden Fleece' make it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover in a range of landscaping designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Heather, Ling, Scots Heather, Scotch Heather.
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Golden Fleece'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heather is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of heather poisoning in people, and it is typically considered non-toxic. Generally, ingestion of heather does not lead to any serious consequences, and no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with it. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and reactions can occur, so it is advisable to exercise caution and not consume plants unless they are known to be safe and edible.
To pets
Heather is not commonly toxic to pets either. It is typically considered safe for animals, and there are no significant reports of heather causing poisoning in pets such as dogs and cats. As with humans, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning documented for pets ingesting heather, and it is generally not associated with serious health consequences. Nevertheless, pet owners should always monitor their animals around plants and discourage them from eating ornamental vegetation, as individual animals may have allergies or sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color with its golden-yellow foliage, enhancing the visual interest of gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: Produces pink to lavender flowers that add to its ornamental value, especially in late summer and fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with little need for fertilization or pruning.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees and butterflies, providing nectar and aiding pollinator populations.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Cold Hardiness: Can survive in cold climates, making it a hardy choice for northern gardens.
- Versatility: Suitable for rock gardens, ground cover, borders, and containers, providing flexibility in landscaping.
- Evergreen: Maintains its foliage year-round, offering continuous color even in winter.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Heather (Calluna vulgaris) has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Diuretic: It is also known to possess diuretic effects which can help in the removal of excess fluids from the body.
- Antiseptic: The plant has antiseptic qualities and may be used for urinary tract infections or to cleanse the urinary system.
- Antimicrobial: Heather has shown antimicrobial activity against certain strains of bacteria and fungi in some studies.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ecological Support: Heather supports a variety of wildlife especially bees and butterflies, which feed on its nectar-rich flowers.
- Dye Production: The flowering stems of heather can be used to create dyes ranging from shades of yellow, green, and even to orange.
- Thatched Roofs: In some regions, heather has been traditionally used for thatching roofs, as it is waterproof and durable.
- Good Luck Charm: Heather is often considered a good luck charm and may be carried or given as a gift for good fortune.
- Winter Gardens: Calluna vulgaris 'Golden Fleece', with its winter foliage color, can be used to add interest to winter gardens when most other plants are dormant.
- Sleep Aid: Dried heather flowers are sometimes placed under pillows or used in sleep sachets to aid in a restful night's sleep due to their pleasant fragrance.
- Floating Islands: Heather has been used to build floating islands in wetland management, offering a unique habitat for wildlife and aiding in water purification.
- Fish Tank Decoration: The wood of heather, after proper treatment, can be used to decorate fish tanks, providing a natural look and hiding places for fish.
- Model Landscaping: The compact and miniature nature of heather makes it ideal for use in model train sets and other miniature landscapes.
- Livestock Feed: In times of scarcity, heather has been used as fodder for livestock, particularly for sheep in poor pasture regions.
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: The Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as 'Scotch Heather' or simply 'Heather', is often associated with protection due to its hardiness and how it can thrive in challenging conditions, providing shelter to various forms of wildlife.
- Good luck: Heather has long been considered a lucky plant, particularly in Scotland, where carrying it is thought to bring good fortune.
- Admiration: The delicate appearance of Heather's blossoms can signify admiration for someone's beauty or resilience, making it a thoughtful gift.
- Solitude: Due to its growth in barren highlands, Heather can symbolize a preference for solitude or self-reliance.
- New beginnings: The blooming of Heather in the wild suggests the idea of new beginnings or the start of a personal journey, as it is one of the plants that blooms in areas recovering from fire or other disruptions.
WaterHeather 'Golden Fleece' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically about once a week depending on weather conditions. Use enough water to moisten the soil throughout the root zone but take care not to overwater as heather dislikes waterlogged soil. In general, aim for approximately one gallon per plant each time you water, adjusting for rainfall and temperature fluctuations. During hot, dry periods, watering may be needed more frequently, but always check the soil moisture first.
LightScotch Heather 'Golden Fleece' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place it in a spot where it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day. While it can tolerate some shade, too little light can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth, so ensure it has ample light to maintain its compact habit and vibrant color.
TemperatureHeather 'Golden Fleece' is quite cold-hardy and can endure temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it prefers a cooler climate overall. Ideally, maintain an environment where the average temperature ranges between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It may struggle in environments where temperatures consistently exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning is essential for maintaining the shape and encouraging robust growth in Scotch Heather 'Golden Fleece.' It's best to prune annually, trimming back the flowering shoots immediately after the blooms have faded, typically in autumn. This will prevent the heather from becoming woody and encourage new growth for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather, commonly known as 'Golden Fleece', thrives best in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. A mix of peat moss, coarse sand, and pine bark is favorable. It should be moisture-retentive yet not waterlogged.
RepottingHeather (Calluna vulgaris 'Golden Fleece') should generally be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and allow for growth. Springtime, just before new growth starts, is the best time for repotting.
Humidity & MistingHeather prefers a moderate to high humidity level. They can tolerate some dry air but will flourish with higher humidity, which can be achieved through natural outdoor conditions or by placing them in a more humidified environment indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, maintain cool temps, and use acidic soil for heather.
Outdoor
Plant heather in acidic soil; full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
4-6 USDA
Life cycleHeather 'Golden Fleece' starts its life as a seed, which, once sown and with the right conditions of light and moisture, will germinate. The tiny seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic needle-like foliage. Over time, the plants mature and build woody stems, forming dense mounds that can reach up to 20 inches in height. During late summer to fall, Heather 'Golden Fleece' produces numerous small, bell-shaped flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, if seed heads form and dry out, seeds are dispersed to give rise to new plants. The heather plant can live for several years, perpetually growing and going through cycles of blooming and dormancy, typically withstanding winter cold and reviving in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
The most popular method for propagating Heather, specifically the Calluna vulgaris 'Golden Fleece', is by taking softwood cuttings during late spring through midsummer. To do this, you should select healthy stems that have new growth but are not too tender. Cut the stems to about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in length and strip off the lower leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth and plant the stem in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Heather plants can be transplanted into the garden.
