Heather 'J.H. Hamilton' Calluna vulgaris 'J.h. Hamilton' (d)

Water

Scotch heather typically requires regular watering to maintain moisture in the soil, especially during hot or dry periods. Water this plant once or twice a week, providing around 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant each time, depending on the weather conditions. During periods of rainfall, reduce the watering frequency to avoid waterlogging. It’s important to water the plant deeply to encourage a strong root system but take care not to oversaturate the soil as it prefers well-drained conditions.

Light

Scotch heather thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. Morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal, especially in regions with very hot summer months.

Temperature

Scotch heather does well in a wide range of temperature conditions and can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for thriving heather is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. They are hardy and can also withstand winter temperatures as low as the mentioned minimum, provided they are well-established and in well-draining soil.

Pruning

Prune Scotch heather to encourage bushy growth and to prevent it from becoming woody. Pruning should be done immediately after blooming, typically cutting back about one-third of the growth. It is not necessary to prune annually, but a light trim every two or three years can keep the plant looking its best. The best time for pruning is late spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Scotch heather requires acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. A mix of peat, sand, and pine bark is ideal for achieving the necessary conditions.

Repotting

Heather should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting Scotch heather.

Humidity & Misting

Scotch heather thrives in moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions as long as they are not too dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, acidic soil, and moderate humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in acidic soil, full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-6 USDA

Life cycle

The Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'J.H. Hamilton') typically starts its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in a well-draining, acidic soil mix, often with the presence of mycorrhizal fungi, germinates to form a small seedling. This seedling stage can last for a variable period, depending on environmental conditions, but with ample water, light, and acidic nutrient availability, it will grow into a mature bush, showing tough, woody stems and evergreen foliage, which is characteristic of the species. During spring and summer, Heather enters a growth phase, producing new shoots and leaves, and preparing for the flowering stage, which usually occurs from late summer to fall; this is when 'J.H. Hamilton', specifically, showcases its purple-pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant develops seed capsules that will release seeds for the next generation, usually during the autumn or when conditions are right for dispersal. Throughout its life, Heather may undergo periods of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, where it will conserve energy during winter until favorable conditions return in spring. Heathland management, such as controlled burning, may influence the life cycle stages of Heather by stimulating regrowth from the base and ensuring the continuation of the species through seed production and dispersal.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer

• The Calluna vulgaris 'J.H. Hamilton', commonly known as Scotch heather, propagates most successfully through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place in late summer to early fall, after the new growth has partially matured and firmed up but before the plant becomes fully dormant. To propagate, one would cut a 3 to 5 inch (approximately 7.5 to 12.7 centimeters) length of stem, making sure that at least 2 to 3 leaves are left at the top. The bottom of the cuttings are then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a moistened soilless potting mix or perlite. The pot containing cuttings should be placed in a sheltered location with indirect light, and the humidity should be maintained by covering it with plastic or by using a mist system. Roots usually develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the plants can gradually acclimate to normal conditions before being transplanted to their permanent positions in the garden.