Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen'
ABOUT
The Orange Queen is a vibrant and eye-catching variety of heather, admired for its distinctive brightly colored foliage and flowers. Its narrow leaves are small and scale-like, typically adopting a rich green hue that can have golden or orange tones. This particular type of heather is well-regarded for the intense orange blooms that it produces, which stand out against the foliage and can add a splash of color to any garden or landscape. The flowers are small, with a bell-shape, and they grow in racemes, creating clusters of colorful blooms that draw in various pollinators. The plant has a bushy, dense growth habit, often forming a mat-like ground cover, and the textured leaves combined with the vivid flowers make it an attractive addition to ornamental gardens. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, with the peak blooming period typically occurring in late summer to early fall. The Orange Queen's colorful display and resilient nature make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add long-lasting color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Heather, Scotch Heather, Ling
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heather is generally considered not toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized toxic effects from ingesting this plant, and it is not known to cause serious harm if consumed in small quantities. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and unusual reactions can occur. If a person has sensitivity to plants in the Ericaceae family, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction.
To pets
Heather is also typically safe for pets and is not known to be toxic to animals such as dogs and cats. If a pet consumes heather, they are unlikely to suffer from poisoning. However, as with humans, individual animals may have unique sensitivities, and eating non-food plants can sometimes result in mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in more sensitive pets. Always monitor your pets around plants and consult your vet if you notice any unusual symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
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: Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen', also known as Heather, has vibrant orange flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Heather is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for xeriscaping and low-water-use garden designs.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of Heather are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Heather is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Heather blooms from late summer into fall, providing color and interest during a time when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Soil Adaptation: This plant is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, including poor, rocky, and acidic soils that challenge other plants.
- Ground Cover: Heather is effective as ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds with its dense foliage.
- Winter Hardy: The plant is resistant to cold temperatures, which allows it to thrive in cooler climates and maintain some greenery throughout the winter.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant - The flowers of Calluna vulgaris, also known as heather, contain compounds that have been noted for their antioxidant properties.
- Anti-inflammatory - Heather has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory effects, which may help in reducing inflammation.
- Diuretic - Heather is sometimes used as a diuretic, aiding in the excretion of urine and potentially helpful for urinary tract conditions.
- Antiseptic - The plant has been used for its antiseptic qualities, which can be useful in preventing infections.
- Mild Sedative - Heather has been traditionally used for its mild sedative effects, which may help in relieving anxiety and insomnia.
- Detoxification - Heather is traditionally associated with detoxifying the body, especially the liver and kidneys, aiding in the removal of waste products.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other UsesHeather honey production: The flowers of 'Orange Queen' are a source of nectar for bees, which can be used to produce a distinct type of honey known as heather honey, prized for its strong flavor profile.
Natural fabric dye: The flowers and stems can be boiled to produce a natural orange dye for coloring fabrics and yarns.
Thatching material: Traditionally, heathers have been used in thatching roofs, and although less common, 'Orange Queen' can serve this purpose.
Landscape photography: The striking orange flowers make it a popular plant for landscape photographers, particularly in heathland scenes.
Bioindicator: Calluna vulgaris can serve as a bioindicator for soil acidity and overall heathland health, signaling suitable conditions for specific wildlife.
Luck and protection charms: In folklore, heather is tied to luck and protection, and 'Orange Queen' can be incorporated into charms and amulets.
Bonsai: Some enthusiasts use 'Orange Queen' for bonsai due to its small size and beautiful colors during blooming season.
Floral arrangements: The vibrant color and hardiness of 'Orange Queen' make it a unique addition to both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
Wildlife gardens: Planting 'Orange Queen' can attract and support local wildlife, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, which feed on the nectar or use the plant as shelter.
Erosion control: The dense growth habit of 'Orange Queen' can aid in stabilizing soil on slopes, hence preventing soil erosion.
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, has been associated with protective qualities in folklore. People used to believe that it had the power to guard against misfortune and harm.
- Good Luck: Heather is often considered to bring good luck, which is why it's sometimes included in bridal bouquets and given as a gift.
- Admiration: Giving someone heather can express admiration for their beauty or character, especially the 'Orange Queen' variety which stands out with its vibrant colors.
- Solitude: With its origins in barren highlands, heather symbolizes a preference for solitude and the ability to thrive in conditions where others may not.
- Independence: The plant's ability to grow in poor soil conditions is often seen as a symbol of self-sufficiency and independence.
WaterThe Heather plant, commonly known as Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen,' should be watered thoroughly to ensure the root area is adequately moist. It prefers consistent moisture, so water the plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This could mean watering once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. In hotter, drier periods more frequent watering might be necessary, approximately a gallon per plant to maintain proper hydration. In the cooler months or when rainfall is adequate, reduce watering accordingly. Overwatering can be harmful to Heathers, so ensure proper drainage.
LightThe Heather, using its common name for Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen,' thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, if you live in a region with very hot summers, providing afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat.
TemperatureFor the Heather, which is Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen,' the ideal temperature range is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive short periods of temperatures slightly outside this range but should be protected from extreme cold below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and from heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. An optimal condition would be to maintain a location that consistently stays within the ideal temperature range.
PruningPruning of the Heather, or Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen,' is essential for promoting vigorous growth and maintaining an attractive shape. Prune lightly after the flowers fade in late fall to early spring. This involves trimming off the spent flower stalks and shaping the plant, ensuring not to cut into old wood that does not produce new shoots. Pruning every year or two will also encourage bushier growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather (Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen') thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A good mix for heather consists of equal parts peat moss, sand, and loamy soil to ensure proper drainage and acidity. Regularly checking and maintaining the pH is crucial for the health of the plant.
RepottingHeather, also known as Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen', generally requires repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil. It's essential to repot in the same soil composition and pH level, ideally during late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingHeather plants, including Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen', prefer moderate to high humidity levels. Consistently maintaining humidity without direct misting of the plant's foliage is best, as high moisture on leaves can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place heather in bright, indirect light and maintain soil acidity.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained, acidic soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-6 USDA
Life cycleHeather 'Orange Queen' begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, usually in the spring, requiring well-drained, acidic soil and sufficient light. After germination, the seedlings grow into young plants with a characteristic dense, mounding habit; during this juvenile phase, they establish a sturdy root system. As they mature, Heathers produce small, bell-shaped flowers that can range in color from this cultivar’s signature orange to pink, blooming mainly in late summer to autumn. Following pollination by bees and other insects, the plants set seed, which are then dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive cycle. During the winter months, Heather 'Orange Queen' remains evergreen, though its foliage may darken in response to colder temperatures. Over time, older plants can become woody and may require pruning to rejuvenate growth and maintain an attractive shape.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the plant Calluna vulgaris 'Orange Queen', commonly known as Scotch Heather or simply Heather, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves taking cuttings of the plant's current year's growth in summer or early fall when the stems are partly mature. Cuttings should be about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long and have several leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then the cuttings are inserted into pots with a well-draining, sterile propagation medium, such as peat and perlite mix. The pots are kept moist and in a sheltered, bright location, but out of direct sunlight until the cuttings have rooted, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new Heather plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
