Heather 'My Dream' Calluna vulgaris 'My Dream' (d)
ABOUT
'My Dream' is a bushy evergreen shrub with mid-green foliage and long spikes of double, white flowers
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Scots Heather, Ling Heather, Scottish Heather, Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris.
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds striking visual interest to gardens with its vibrant purple flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to horticulture.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, suited to dry climates.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in cold temperatures, making it a good choice for northern climates.
- Attracts Wildlife: Invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting pollination.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover, offering diverse design options.
- Long Blooming: Features a lengthy flowering season which can extend from summer to fall.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant - Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as heather, contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that may have antioxidant properties.
- Anti-inflammatory - Traditional use suggests heather may possess anti-inflammatory effects.
- Diuretic - Heather has been used traditionally as a diuretic to support urinary tract health.
- Antiseptic - The plant has been used for its potential antiseptic qualities in urinary tract infections.
- Mild astringent - Heather has been thought to act as a mild astringent in folk medicine.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- In crafting, the flowers of Heather can be used for natural dyeing, providing shades of yellow, orange, and green depending on the mordant used.
- Heather is used in the production of a traditional Scottish ale called Fraoch, which imparts a distinct aroma and taste to the beer.
- Heather twigs are sometimes used to handcraft small decorative items and jewelry due to their woodiness when dried.
- The plant can be used as bedding for animals, offering a warm and soft material that is readily available in the regions where Heather grows wild.
- Heather may be used to create brooms or brushes, taking advantage of the sturdy, woody stems of the plant.
- Some artists use Heather as inspiration or as a material in their work to create pressed flower art.
- It serves as an important nectar source for bees, specifically for making heather honey, which is prized for its gelatinous properties and strong flavor.
- Heather branches can be woven into decorative wreaths and other ornamental items for home decor.
- When dried, Heather sprigs emit a mild, pleasant fragrance, making them a natural choice for potpourri blends.
- The dense growth habit of Heather makes it suitable for use in miniature models and dioramas, simulating trees and shrubs at a small scale.
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: Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as Heather, is often associated with protective qualities, believed to guard against danger and bring safety.
- Luck: Heather is considered a lucky plant, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.
- Solitude: It also represents solitude or admiration of solitude, as Heather thrives in barren landscapes where few other plants can survive.
- Beauty: The plant's attractive appearance has made it a symbol of beauty, with its delicate flowers and fine foliage.
- New Beginnings: Because Heather is one of the first plants to colonize barren land, it represents new beginnings and the start of something new.
WaterHeather 'My Dream' prefers consistent moisture, therefore it should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. During dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to maintain the moisture level. It is important to provide approximately 1 gallon of water per watering session to ensure that the moisture reaches the root system. Avoid over-watering and ensure the plant has well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
LightHeather 'My Dream' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can reduce flowering and foliage density.
TemperatureHeather 'My Dream' can survive in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers a range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Extremely high temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to the plant's health, so it should be protected from the hottest parts of the day during the summer months.
PruningHeather 'My Dream' should be pruned to shape the plant, remove spent flowers, and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in early spring, just before new growth begins. Lightly shear the plant annually to maintain its compact, bushy form, and enhance flowering for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'My Dream') should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. A mixture of peat, sand, and loam can work well, providing good aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingHeather should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the delicate roots during the process.
Humidity & MistingHeather prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a wide range. They thrive best when humidity levels are between 40% and 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, cool temps, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-drained acidic soil, protect from wind.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleScotch heather 'My Dream' begins its life as a seed, which once germinated, progresses into a seedling. This stage involves root establishment and the development of initial leaves. As it matures, the seedling grows into a vegetative plant, which is characterized by a period of robust foliage and branch development without significant flowering. Following this, the plant enters the flowering stage, during which it produces characteristic purplish-pink flowers attractive to pollinators; this stage is crucial for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing numerous small seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Lastly, in the autumn and winter, the plant experiences a dormancy period with reduced metabolic activity, allowing it to conserve energy and survive colder temperatures.
PropogationPropogation time
Summer-autumn
Propogation: Heather 'My Dream' is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings, which is the most popular method. This process typically takes place during the late spring or early summer when new growth is soft and pliable. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 2 to 4-inch (5 to 10 cm) section just below a node. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the base dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is buried. This environment should be kept moist but not waterlogged and should be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a greenhouse to maintain high humidity. Roots typically develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being planted out.
