Heather 'Kinlochruel' Calluna vulgaris 'Kinlochruel' (d)
ABOUT
'Kinlochruel' is a compact and low-growing evergreen shrub to 25cm in height, with bright green foliage, tinged bronze in winter, and double, white flowers in short racemes
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Scotch Heather, Ling, Scottish Heather, Heather.
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Kinlochruel'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Calluna vulgaris 'Kinlochruel', commonly known as Scotch Heather, adds visual interest to gardens with its beautiful white flowers and evergreen foliage.
- Durability: Scotch Heather is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Erosion Control: With its dense growth habit, it helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of the Scotch Heather provide nectar for bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Year-Round Interest: It offers year-round interest due to its evergreen nature and changes in foliage color in different seasons.
- Ground Cover: Its mat-forming growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering bare spots in the garden.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial: Possesses properties that can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Diuretic: Promotes the increased production of urine, potentially aiding in detoxification.
- Antiseptic: May be used for cleansing wounds or preventing the growth of microbes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Soil Erosion Control: Due to its dense growth habit, Heather can be planted on slopes to help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil.
- Wildlife Habitat: Heather provides shelter and nesting materials for various insects and small birds, thus enhancing local biodiversity.
- Livestock Feed: Although not a primary food source, Heather has historically been used as emergency grazing for sheep and cattle in poor weather conditions.
- Traditional Roof Thatching: In certain regions, specifically in Scotland, Heather has been used for thatching roofs, offering insulation and weather protection for buildings.
- Dye Production: The flowers and shoots of Heather can be used to produce natural dyes for wool and other natural fibers, typically yielding shades of yellow, green, or orange.
- Fuel: In parts of the Scottish Highlands and other areas, dried Heather stems have been used as a source of fuel for fires.
- Handicraft Material: The flexible stems of Heather are sometimes used in the creation of small handcrafted items like baskets and brooms.
- Garden Design: Heather is used in rock gardens for its aesthetic appeal and ability to grow in poor, rocky soils.
- Beekeeping: Heather is highly attractive to bees, making it a valuable plant for beekeepers looking to produce heather honey, which is prized for its unique flavor.
- Symbolic Use: In certain cultures, Heather is associated with admiration and good luck, and is therefore used in floral arrangements or given as a gift.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHeather 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, has traditionally been associated with protection. People in the past believed that it had the power to safeguard them against harmful forces and evil spirits.
- Good Luck: Heather is also often seen as a symbol of good luck, and carrying a sprig of Heather is said to bring fortune and positive outcomes to one's endeavors.
- New Beginnings: With their vigorous growth and resilience, Heather plants are thought to represent new beginnings and the start of something fresh or rejuvenated in one's life.
- Solitude: The plant's preference for growing in quiet, undisturbed areas can symbolize a love for solitude or the enjoyment of one's own company away from the hustle and bustle of society.
- Admiration: Giving Heather is a way to express admiration for someone's beauty or strength, much like the plant's delicate appearance but hardy nature.
- Independence: Heather thrives in harsh conditions and can grow independently in the wild, representing self-reliance and a strong, independent spirit.
WaterThe Scotch heather requires consistent moisture but should never be left in soggy soil. Deeply water the plant to ensure the entire root system is moistened, which would typically involve 1 to 2 gallons per week, depending on the soil and climate conditions. During hot or dry spells, increase the frequency of watering but always allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid over-watering. In cooler or rainy periods, water less frequently to prevent root rot. Adjust the amount and frequency as necessary to keep the soil consistently moist, not waterlogged.
LightScotch heather thrives in full sun to partial shade. For best results, position it in a spot where it receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid deep shade locations as this can impact flowering and overall plant vigor. Some dappled afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
TemperatureScotch heather is hardy and can endure a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy and can handle climates where winter temperatures do not typically drop below -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for Scotch heather fall between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a suitable environment for vigorous growth.
PruningPrune Scotch heather annually to maintain its compact shape and promote vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is in the spring, just after blooming, by trimming off the spent flowers and shaping the plant. This keeps the plant tidy and encourages new growth. Do not prune back into old wood that has no leaves, as this can hinder new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather, specifically Calluna vulgaris 'Kinlochruel', thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. A mix containing peat moss, sand, and loamy soil in equal parts is ideal. Adding pine needles or sulfur can help to maintain the needed acidity.
RepottingHeathers like Calluna vulgaris 'Kinlochruel' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the early spring or after flowering.
Humidity & MistingHeather requires moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. Avoid overly humid conditions as it may lead to fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, cool spot with acidic soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in acidic soil; full sun or partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Calluna vulgaris 'Kinlochruel', commonly known as Scotch heather or simply heather, begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring when temperatures rise and days lengthen. The seeds require open soil and plenty of sunlight to thrive. Seedlings develop into young plants, featuring a dense, bushy habit with fine needle-like leaves. Over time, these juvenile plants mature and reach the flowering stage, usually in their second year, blooming profusely with white flowers from late summer to fall. Post pollination, the flowers produce capsules containing seeds that, once matured, are released to start a new generation. During its lifetime, Scotch heather experiences a period of dormancy each winter, surviving cold temperatures before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
The most popular method of propagation for Calluna vulgaris 'Kinlochruel', commonly known as Scotch heather, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This process is typically carried out in late summer. To propagate Scotch heather this way, a gardener would take a cutting of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) from a healthy parent plant, ensuring that the cutting includes some of the current year's growth. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept under conditions of high humidity, either in a greenhouse or under a plastic cover. The cutting should root in a few weeks, after which it can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted out.
