Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Loki' (PBR) (Garden Girls Series)
ABOUT
The Calluna vulgaris 'Loki' from the Garden Girls Series, commonly known as heather, is a small evergreen shrub that is ornamental and often admired for its beautiful growth habit. It has fine, needle-like foliage that creates a dense texture, usually green or lime-green in hue. This foliage often changes or intensifies in color during the colder months, adding seasonal interest to the garden. The plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers which can range in color depending on the variety, but commonly appear in shades of pink, purple, or white. The flowers are borne in racemes and make for a showy display when the plant is in full bloom, typically from late summer to fall. The blooms are rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden. 'Loki' has a neat, mounded growth habit that makes it an attractive groundcover or border plant. It can be used to great effect in rock gardens, as its texture and form contrast nicely with stones and boulders. As part of the Garden Girls Series, this particular variety may exhibit some unique features in its foliage or flowers that distinguish it from other types of heather. Overall, this heather is valued for its visual appeal, low maintenance needs, and the year-round interest it provides, with its evergreen foliage and seasonal flower display. It's also appreciated for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a range of garden conditions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Scotch Heather, Ling Heather, Scottish Heather, Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Loki' (PBR) (Garden Girls Series)
ToxicityTo humans
Heather, specifically the Calluna vulgaris 'Loki' variety, is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant concerns regarding the ingestion of this plant leading to poisoning in humans. Thus, ingestion of Heather is not typically associated with any symptoms of poisoning or toxic consequences.
To pets
Heather is not known to be toxic to pets. This means that ingestion of the Calluna vulgaris 'Loki' variety should not cause any symptoms of poisoning in animals such as dogs and cats. Pet owners can be reassured that this plant is generally considered safe for pets without the risk of toxic consequences. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Easy to Grow - Calluna vulgaris 'Loki' is hardy and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making it easy for gardeners of all levels to grow.
- Ornamental Appearance - With its beautiful foliage and flowers, it adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Wildlife - The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in your garden.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, the plant requires minimal care, needing only occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
- Drought Tolerance - It is relatively drought tolerant, which makes it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise landscaping.
- Year-Round Interest - It provides interest throughout the year with evergreen foliage and long-lasting blooms.
- Versatility - Suitable for rock gardens, borders, ground cover, or container gardening, Calluna vulgaris 'Loki' offers versatility in its use.
- Winter Hardiness - It is able to withstand cold winter temperatures, making it a great choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Color Variety - The plant offers a range of color through its foliage and flowers, which can vary with the seasons, adding dynamic changes to a garden's palette.
- Soil Erosion Control - The dense growth habit can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Heather is popular for dried floral arrangements, adding texture and muted color which can be preserved for long periods.
- Craft Projects: The stems and flowers can be used in the creation of natural jewelry, where they are often woven or encapsulated in resin.
- Biodegradable Bedding Material: Heather can be used as a biodegradable bedding material for small animals, providing a natural and comfortable environment.
- Natural Dye: Heather can be used to produce natural dyes for wool and other natural fibers, yielding shades of yellow, green, and brown.
- Rustic Decor: Intact branches of heather can be used as part of rustic decor themes, either alone or as part of wreaths.
- Traditional Roofing: In some regions, heather has been historically used as a thatching material for roofs due to its durability and waterproof qualities.
- Scented Sachets: Dried heather flowers can be added to scented sachets to provide a subtle fragrance to wardrobes and drawers.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly consumed, heather can occasionally be used as an edible garnish to add visual appeal to dishes.
- Beekeeping Attractant: Heather plantings can attract bees and other pollinators, and are sometimes used by beekeepers to enhance the local environment for their hives.
- Photography Backdrops: Heather fields can provide beautiful, natural backdrops for photographers looking for scenic outdoor shots.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHeather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHeather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Heath, the common name for Calluna vulgaris, has traditionally been associated with protection. In ancient times, people believed that heath had the power to safeguard against evil and misfortune, and it was often used in charms and amulets for this purpose.
- Beauty: Heath is often admired for its delicate, small flowers and has come to symbolize beauty. This may hark back to the plant's ability to bring color to barren landscapes, reminding us of nature's understated elegance.
- Solitude: Found growing in solitary expanses of heathland, the plant symbolizes solitude and the ability to thrive in conditions where others might falter, representing resilience and self-sufficiency.
- Good Fortune: As a plant that covers vast areas of land, heath has also been seen as a symbol of good fortune, bringing a sense of abundance and prosperity to those who encounter it.
- Admiration: The long persistence of heath flowers through different seasons has led it to be a symbol of admiration, as it incites respect for its endurance and adaptability.
WaterHeather, specifically the Calluna vulgaris 'Loki,' requires consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. It's best to water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically translates to watering once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. Use a gentle shower from a watering can to mimic natural rainfall, evenly moistening the soil without flooding it. During the active growing season in spring and summer, approximately one gallon per week per plant is a good starting point. In the winter, reduce watering slightly but do not let the plant dry out completely, as Heather is not drought tolerant.
LightHeather thrives in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. It is important that the plant gets at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, so positioning it in a spot where it can soak up the morning sun is ideal. However, in areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureHeathers are hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as 14°F, but they grow best when the temperature ranges between 50°F and 70°F. They can tolerate a maximum temperature up to 75°F before requiring protection from excessive heat. It's crucial to avoid sudden temperature fluctuations and to protect the plant from extreme cold and frost.
PruningPrune Heathers in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is necessary to prevent the plants from becoming woody and to encourage bushy growth. Cut back the previous year's flowering spikes, trimming just below the spent flowers. It's generally good practice to prune Heathers annually, but avoid cutting into old wood as this can prevent new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather, including Calluna vulgaris 'Loki', thrives best in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. A blend of 50% peat or ericaceous compost, 30% perlite, and 20% pine bark is ideal, offering optimal aeration, moisture retention, and drainage.
RepottingHeathers, such as Calluna vulgaris 'Loki', should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. It's best to repot in early spring before new growth begins, using an acidic, sandy, or peaty soil to encourage health and growth.
Humidity & MistingHeather, specifically Calluna vulgaris 'Loki', prefers moderate to high humidity levels. The plant thrives best at a humidity level of around 40-60%, typical of its natural moorland habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, use acidic soil, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade, acidic soil, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleCalluna vulgaris 'Loki' (PBR), commonly known as Heather 'Loki' from the Garden Girls Series, starts its life as a seed that germinates in well-drained acidic soils, typically in spring. The seedling develops into a juvenile plant, exhibiting the characteristic small evergreen foliage as it matures. During the growing season, 'Loki' experiences vegetative growth where it expands in size and forms a dense, low-growing shrub. Flowering generally occurs from late summer to autumn, presenting vibrant flower spikes that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced which can disperse to form new plants. In winter, Heather 'Loki' remains evergreen, though its growth rate slows considerably, awaiting the return of warmer spring temperatures to resume active growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Calluna vulgaris 'Loki' (PBR), commonly known as the Loki Heather, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is the most popular as it tends to be reliable for producing true-to-type plants. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the late summer or early fall. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut them into lengths of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters). It's important to use a sharp, sterilized cutting tool to prevent disease transmission. The cut end should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. Then, the cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until rooting occurs, which typically takes several weeks. Once roots are established, the young plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted in their final location.
