Heather 'Silver Knight' Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Knight'

Water

Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Knight') should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once every week with roughly 1 gallon of water, adjusting the frequency to account for rain, heat, and soil condition. In winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely, which might mean watering with around half a gallon every two weeks, depending on the climate. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

Light

Heather thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Knight') would be where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from scorching.

Temperature

Heather is quite hardy. Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Knight' prefers a temperature range between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive short periods as low as 20 degrees and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from extreme temperatures by providing insulation or shade, depending on the season.

Pruning

Prune Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Knight') mainly to shape the plant and encourage bushy growth. It's best to prune after flowering has finished, usually in late winter or early spring. Cut back the previous year's growth by no more than one-third. Regular pruning each year will prevent the plant from becoming woody and bare at the base.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Heather, commonly known as Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Knight', thrives best in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. An ideal soil mix can be created with 1 part peat moss, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part perlite or pine bark fines to ensure good aeration and drainage.

Repotting

Heather should be repotted infrequently, roughly every 3 to 4 years, as it prefers to be somewhat root-bound. It's important to use an acidic soil mix during repotting to maintain the low pH levels this plant needs.

Humidity & Misting

Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Knight') prefers moderate humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions typical of temperate climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and maintain acidic soil pH.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, acidic soil, and shelter from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

The Scotch heather 'Silver Knight' begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained acidic soil in early spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with silver-gray foliage, and as it matures, it forms a woody base typical of heathers. Throughout the growing season, it experiences vegetative growth, producing shoots and leaves, and becoming a hardy evergreen shrub. In late summer into fall, it blooms, producing small, bell-shaped lavender flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules which release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. During winter, Scotch heather 'Silver Knight' remains evergreen, though growth slows considerably, and it can survive harsh conditions with the help of its woody stem and evergreen leaves.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Summer- Autumn

• Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Knight', commonly known as Heather, is most frequently propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is usually performed in late summer after the current season's growth has begun to mature. To propagate Heather using this method, cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long are taken from healthy plants, ensuring each cutting has several nodes. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the bottom end of the cutting is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a potting mix of equal parts peat and perlite or a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one or two nodes are buried in the substrate. The cuttings need to maintain a humid environment, which is why they are usually covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator. Roots typically develop within a few weeks to a few months, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before potting on or planting out.