Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred'
ABOUT
Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred', commonly known as Scotch heather, is a plant recognized for its striking appearance. It typically showcases small, scale-like leaves that cling closely to its numerous branching stems, creating a dense, bushy texture. These leaves often bear hues of green as a rich backdrop to the plant's notable feature: its flowers. The flowers of 'Red Fred' are particularly eye-catching, as they bloom in a vibrant red color. They appear in small, yet profuse clusters that elegantly adorn the plant's stems, creating a dramatic contrast against the green foliage. The blooms boast a bell-shaped form and can contribute to the plant's ornate presentation throughout the blooming season. Adding to its visual appeal, Scotch heather frequently forms an overall shape that is neat and tidy, giving it a well-manicured look even without significant pruning. This characteristic makes it a favorite in landscape designs where the plant can provide visual interest with its colorful flowers and textured foliage, all while maintaining a compact and orderly presence. While the specific dimensions of 'Red Fred' are not detailed here, the plant’s showy nature and rich coloration make it a notable addition to gardens, often attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators drawn to its flowers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Scotch Heather, Ling Heather, Scottish Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known commonly as Heather is not typically considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or reports of poisoning from ingesting parts of Heather. However, as with any plant, it is always possible for individuals to experience allergic reactions or sensitivities, so it is generally advisable to avoid eating plants not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Heather is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for cats and dogs if they happen to ingest small amounts of the plant. As with humans, individual animals may have allergies or sensitivities, so monitoring your pet and consulting with a veterinarian if they show any signs of illness after consuming any part of the plant is a good precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Heather, specifically Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred', offers striking red foliage that adds vibrant colors to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, heather is known for its ability to withstand periods of dry weather, making it suitable for water-wise gardening.
- Winter Interest: This plant retains its foliage throughout the winter, providing color and interest in an otherwise dormant garden.
- Low Maintenance: Heather generally requires minimal care, aside from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote new growth.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of heather attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soil, making it versatile for different garden settings.
- Ground Cover: Heather is effective at suppressing weeds and covering bare spots in the garden due to its dense growth habit.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other acid-loving plants, making it a good choice for themed gardens, such as rockeries or heath gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred' has a relatively long flowering season, which can extend the visual appeal of garden spaces.
- Hardiness: Heather is a resilient plant that can thrive in a range of harsh climates, including cold and windy conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as heather, can add a splash of color to garden photography or serve as a natural backdrop for close-up shots of insects and other plants.
- Eco-friendly Dye: The flowers of heather can be used to create natural dyes for wool, imparting gentle shades of green, yellow, or orange, depending on the mordant used.
- Bioindicator Species: Heather is considered an indicator species for moorland and heathland ecosystems, pointing to the health and biodiversity of these habitats.
- Decorative Crafts: Dried heather is used in floristry for creating wreaths, bouquets, or other decorative items.
- Wildlife Gardening: Planting heather can attract and provide habitat for native pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Theme Gardens: Heather can be utilized in creating Scottish or Nordic themed garden designs as a nod to its natural habitation in these regions.
- Rustic Bedding Material: In ancient times, heather was sometimes used as a bedding material due to its softness and insulation properties.
- Garden Border: Using heather as a low-growing border can provide year-round color and texture to garden beds.
- Train and Scale Modeling: Miniature heather plants can be used in model train sets or architectural models to replicate realistic landscapes.
- Culinary Experiments: Although not as well-known, heather flowers are sometimes used in the production of heather-flavored ale, adding a subtle and distinctive taste.
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 been associated with protective properties in various cultures, often used in talismans to safeguard individuals from harm.
- Good Luck: Heather is also symbolic of good luck, with people traditionally carrying it as a charm to attract favorable outcomes and fortune.
- Solitude: In some folklore, heather represents a preference for solitude, as it thrives in the isolated landscapes of moorlands.
- Admiration and Beauty: With its delicate purple flowers, heather is often associated with admiration and the beauty of nature, symbolizing the appreciation for natural aesthetics.
- New Beginnings: The plant blooms in late summer and is seen as a herald of autumn, thereby symbolizing new beginnings and the start of a new cycle in life.
WaterScotch heather, also known as Heather 'Red Fred', prefers consistent moisture but well-drained soil. Water this plant deeply to ensure the root zone is moist, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Depending on the weather and soil type, watering every week with approximately 1 gallon of water is usually sufficient. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, especially for plants in containers. In contrast, reduce watering frequency during cooler, rainy periods to prevent waterlogged conditions which can lead to root rot.
LightScotch heather thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates, to protect the plant from intense heat.
TemperatureScotch heather is hardy and can endure temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, while maximum temperature tolerance is around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for Heather 'Red Fred' range between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, slightly cooler at night.
PruningPruning Scotch heather annually encourages new growth and maintains a compact, tidy shape. Prune lightly in early spring, just before new growth begins, cutting back the previous year's flowered stems to the base of the flower spike. Avoid cutting into old wood that lacks new buds, as it may not regenerate. It's typically unnecessary to prune more than once a year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather, commonly referred to as Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred', thrives best in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. The ideal soil mix should consist of peat moss or ericaceous compost combined with perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Adding a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and provide organic nutrients as it decomposes.
RepottingHeather (Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred') typically requires repotting every 2-3 years. However, it's essential to monitor the plant's growth; if it becomes root-bound or the soil degrades significantly, repotting may be necessary sooner.
Humidity & MistingHeather (Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred') prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions. It is crucial to maintain some humidity around the plant, especially during dry winter months, but excessive humidity can lead to fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Heather near bright window, avoid overwatering, maintain cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to part shade, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleHeather 'Red Fred' begins its life cycle as a seed; upon germination, tiny seedlings emerge and gradually develop a root system and foliage. As it matures, it enters a vegetative state characterized by the growth of its trademark needle-like leaves and woody stems. During the flowering stage, typically between late summer and fall, 'Red Fred' produces reddish-purple flowers that attract pollinators and are followed by the formation of seed capsules. After pollination and seed set, the plant enters a period of dormancy during winter, where growth slows or ceases, and the plant conserves energy. In spring, Heather 'Red Fred' resumes growth, with new shoots emerging from the woody base, leading to increased foliage and preparation for the next flowering cycle. Throughout its life cycle, which can span several years, 'Red Fred' will undergo periodic pruning to maintain shape and encourage vibrant new growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
The most popular method for propagating Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred', commonly known as Scotch heather or simply heather, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place during late summer or early autumn. To propagate by cuttings, one carefully selects healthy, non-flowering shoots from the current year's growth. These shoots are then cut into lengths of about 3-5 inches (approximately 7.5-12.5 cm), ensuring each cutting has a few leaves. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then inserted into a moist, well-draining propagation media, such as a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring that the area with the removed leaves is buried. The pots or trays with cuttings are kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight until roots form, which usually takes a few weeks to a few months, after which they can be transplanted.
