Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Serlei Aurea'
ABOUT
Calluna vulgaris 'Serlei Aurea', commonly known as Scotch heather, is a vibrant and ornamental plant celebrated for its unique foliage and flowers. The plant boasts golden-yellow leaves that provide a striking contrast with its surroundings, especially when set against the backdrop of traditional green foliage. In addition to the eye-catching leaves, Scotch heather produces small, bell-shaped flowers that cluster together, creating a frothy, textured appearance which can vary in color from white to pink and purplish hues, adding to the plant's decorative appeal. The evergreen nature of Scotch heather ensures year-round interest, with its golden foliage sometimes taking on orange or red tinges during colder months, further enhancing its visual impact. Overall, the plant presents a dense, bushy form with its tiny, scale-like leaves closely packed on the slender stems. Its flowers also contribute to the plant's charm, typically blooming in late summer to early fall and attracting an array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant's ability to lend year-long color and structure makes it a favored choice for rock gardens, borders, and groundcover use in a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Golden Heath, Aurea Scottish Heather, Gold Scotch Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Serlei Aurea'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heather is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of heather poisoning in humans, and it is not known to contain harmful substances when touched or ingested in small quantities. However, it is always advisable to be cautious and avoid consuming plants unless they are known to be edible and safe.
To pets
Heather is not typically regarded as a toxic plant to pets. It does not contain known toxins that could cause harm to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals if they ingest small amounts. Nonetheless, individual animals may have unique sensitivities, and ingestion of plant material could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset purely due to the ingestion of non-food material. If you observe any adverse reactions after your pet has consumed heather, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, ideal for gardeners seeking low-effort plants.
- Drought tolerant: Adapts well to dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Year-round interest: Features evergreen foliage that provides color and structure throughout the seasons.
- Attracts wildlife: Its flowers can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Soil erosion control: Its dense growth habit can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Ground cover: Effective at covering bare spots in the landscape, suppressing weeds, and creating a carpet of color.
- Tolerant of poor soils: Can grow in a variety of soil types, including acidic and less fertile conditions.
- Hardy: Resistant to cold temperatures and can survive in harsh climates where other plants may not thrive.
- Decorative uses: Suitable for ornamental purposes in rock gardens, borders, and as container plants.
- Variety of landscapes: Fits into formal gardens, cottage gardens, and wild natural areas equally well.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Heather plant can be used in the craft of basket weaving. Its stems can be woven together to create small decorative baskets or mats.
- Heather can be a natural dye source for fabrics and wool, providing shades of yellow, orange, or brown depending on the mordant used.
- In the past, Heather has been used to thatch roofs, providing an insulated and waterproof covering for houses.
- Due to Heather's dense growth, it can be used to prevent soil erosion on slopes and in areas prone to land degradation.
- Heather is sometimes incorporated into a garden to attract bees, as it is a good source of nectar.
- The woody stems of Heather can be used as fuel for fires in outdoor pits or wood-burning stoves.
- The plant can be employed in the production of Heather beer, where it imparts a distinctive aroma and flavor.
- Heather can serve as bedding material for livestock, particularly for animals like horses, due to its softness and insulating properties.
- It can be used in the craft of broom making; Heather was traditionally used for making brooms known as 'besoms' in Europe.
- Heather has been used in traditional ceremonies and cultural rituals, such as making wreaths and as decoration during festivals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Heather 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 historically believed to possess protective qualities, safeguarding people from dangers and bad luck.
- Good Fortune: Heather is often associated with good luck, and having it in one's home is thought to bring positive energy and prosperity.
- Admiration: The resilient nature of Heather, able to thrive in harsh conditions, symbolizes admiration for strength and perseverance in overcoming challenges.
- Solitude: Given its preference for growing in barren, lonely places, Heather can represent a love for solitude and self-sufficiency.
- New Beginnings: The plant's hardiness and ability to bloom in late summer suggests the theme of new beginnings, signifying the start of something fresh and hopeful.
- Beauty: The Heather's attractive appearance has linked it with beauty, signaling an appreciation for the natural allure of the moors and landscapes it often adorns.
WaterScotch heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Serlei Aurea') prefers consistent moisture, so aim to keep the soil evenly damp but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing water to seep deep into the soil to encourage root growth, which typically means about 1 gallon per plant per week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, possibly every few days, to maintain moisture levels. In cooler, damp weather, reduce the watering to prevent root rot. Always check the soil moisture before watering – the top inch should feel dry to the touch.
LightScotch heather thrives in full sun to partial shade. Best results are typically seen when the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. However, in regions with particularly intense sun, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching. A location that receives morning sun and dappled afternoon light is often ideal.
TemperatureThe Scotch heather can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy from USDA Zone 4 to Zone 8. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F in winter and as high as 80°F in summer. The ideal growing temperatures fall between 60°F and 70°F, but it is quite adaptable and resilient in various conditions as long as it is not prolonged extreme heat.
PruningPruning Scotch heather is important to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Prune just after blooming, typically in late spring or early summer, by lightly trimming the tips of the branches. This will prevent the plant from becoming woody and encourage a lush, compact shape. It is not necessary to prune every year, but doing so every other year can help stimulate blooming and rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather, commonly known as Calluna vulgaris 'Serlei Aurea', thrives best in acidic, well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A suitable soil mix can be made with equal parts peat moss, sand, and loamy garden soil, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingHeather should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingHeather prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 40-60%. Maintaining this humidity helps mimic its natural moorland habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Heather in acidic soil; ensure bright light, cool temp.
Outdoor
Plant Heather in sun/part-shade, acidic soil, protect from wind.
Hardiness zone
4-6 USDA
Life cycleScotch heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Serlei Aurea') begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring when temperatures are cool and consistent moisture is available. Seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic golden foliage, gradually maturing over the course of several months to a few years, depending on conditions. Once mature, the heather blooms in late summer to autumn, producing small, bell-shaped flowers that can range in color from white to pink or purple. Following pollination, often facilitated by bees and other insects, the plant sets seed, which falls to the ground and can result in new plants if conditions are favorable. Throughout its lifetime, which can range from 10 to 20 or more years, the Scotch heather experiences periods of dormancy in the winter, with growth resuming in the spring. Proper pruning or "heather burning" can rejuvenate older plants and encourage new growth, thus extending the life cycle of the shrub.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Propogation: The Calluna vulgaris 'Serlei Aurea', commonly known as Scotch heather, is frequently propagated through the method of semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is usually done in late summer to early fall when the plant's new growth from that season has started to mature but isn't fully hardened. Semi-hardwood cuttings are sections of stem that have matured partially after the spring or early summer growth spurt. Typically, cuttings are taken from healthy, disease-free plants, ideally 4 to 6 inches in length. The lower leaves should be stripped, and the base of the cutting can be treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, the cuttings are placed in a well-draining, sterile growing medium, like a mix of peat and perlite kept moist but not waterlogged. A humid environment is maintained until roots have formed, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before planting out.
