Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Queen'
ABOUT
'Silver Queen' is a variety of Scottish heather, characterized by its distinctive foliage and flowers. The plant boasts small, needle-like leaves that are a striking silvery-gray color, oftentimes edged with cream or white, giving it a frosted appearance. During the blooming season, it produces delicate bell-shaped flowers that are usually a soft pink or mauve color, adding to its ornamental appeal. The flowers typically cluster along the upright stems, creating a contrast against the silver-toned foliage. The overall impression of 'Silver Queen' Scottish heather is one of a fine-textured, elegant plant that provides year-round interest due to its evergreen nature and the seasonal change in color when it blooms. Its foliage and flowers can create a striking visual when planted en masse or used as an accent in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Scotch Heather, Ling Heather, Scottish Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Queen'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heather is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of Heather is not expected to cause poisoning or adverse health effects.
To pets
Heather is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause significant symptoms of poisoning in animals. However, ingestion of any plant material may cause mild stomach upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silver
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 beauty to gardens with its silver-gray foliage and pink flowers.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Drought tolerance: Can survive with limited water, suitable for areas with water restrictions.
- Wildlife attraction: Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Year-round interest: Offers visual interest throughout the year, with evergreen foliage and seasonal blooms.
- Ground cover: Spreads out to cover the ground, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Soil adaptation: Can thrive in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soils.
- Hardiness: Resistant to most pests and diseases, and can withstand cold weather climates.
- Versatility in landscaping: Can be used in rock gardens, borders, and as a complement to other plants.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some other plants, it typically does not spread beyond its intended area.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Heather 'Silver Queen' can be used in the crafting of brooms or brushes as its tough, woody stems are durable.
- Traditionally, the stems of heather have been used to create small baskets or as a material in thatching rural roofs in areas where it grows abundantly.
- 'Silver Queen' makes excellent natural dye for wool and textiles, with various parts of the plant offering different hues, from green to yellow or even orange.
- In the past, Calluna vulgaris has been used as a packing material, providing cushioning for fragile items during transport.
- The plant can be utilized in garden railway setups, as it can be pruned to resemble miniature trees or shrubs, enhancing the landscape realism.
- As a source of fuel, dried heather has been burned for warmth and cooking in places where it is plentiful.
- Heather plants, including 'Silver Queen', contribute to beekeeping and honey production by providing a valuable source of nectar, resulting in a distinct heather honey.
- It can be incorporated into living mulch or ground cover, controlling weeds and retaining soil moisture while providing aesthetic value with its foliage and blooms.
- 'Silver Queen' is used in eco-friendly landscape management, such as stabilizing sand dunes or reconstructing heathland habitats.
- It can serve as an indicator species in conservation, with its health and prevalence offering insights into the condition of heathland ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHeather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHeather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Commonly known as Heather, Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Queen' has been regarded as a symbol of protection. This belief stems from old European folklore where it was thought that heather plants could ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
- Good Luck: Heather is also associated with good luck. Carrying a sprig of heather is believed to bring good fortune and positive outcomes, especially in the Scottish tradition.
- Admiration: The beauty and resilience of heather, particularly in harsh environments, has made it a symbol of admiration. It is often given as a way to express one’s admiration for someone’s strength and perseverance.
- Independence: Heather thrives on the barren moorlands and does not require much to grow, symbolizing independence and an ability to prosper under difficult conditions.
- Solitude: Because heather is commonly found in remote and solitary places, it has become associated with solitude and the enjoyment of one's own company away from the crowd.
- Beauty: With its dainty pink and purple flowers, heather is also a symbol of beauty. The variety 'Silver Queen' specifically, with its silver foliage, could emphasize the elegance and unique beauty one can possess.
WaterThe Scotch heather 'Silver Queen' prefers consistently moist soil, so water it deeply once every 1-2 weeks, providing about 1 gallon of water each time, depending on weather conditions. During hot or dry weather, you may need to water the plant more frequently, while during cooler or rainy periods, watering can be reduced. Ensure that the soil has good drainage as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightScotch heather 'Silver Queen' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one that offers morning sunlight and protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in regions with hot summers.
TemperatureScotch heather 'Silver Queen' is hardy and can withstand a wide temperature range but grows best in cooler climates. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 70°F, making it suitable for various environments. The ideal growing temperature is between 40°F and 60°F.
PruningPrune Scotch heather 'Silver Queen' immediately after blooming to maintain its compact shape and promote bushier growth. This typically means pruning can be done in late spring or early summer. Cut back the spent flower stalks to just above the new growth. Annual pruning is advised to prevent the plants from becoming woody.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. A mix of peat moss, sand, and pine bark suits Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Queen'. Ensure the soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
RepottingHeather, like Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Queen', generally needs repotting every 3 to 4 years or when it outgrows its pot, doing so in spring.
Humidity & MistingHeather prefers moderate humidity levels. If the air is too dry, it can become stressed, so aim for a humidity level between 40% and 60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Heather in a cool, bright spot away from direct heat.
Outdoor
Plant Heather in sunny to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-6 USDA
Life cycleThe Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Queen', commonly known as Heather 'Silver Queen', begins its life cycle as a seed, which under favourable conditions germinates in the spring. The seedling develops into a young plant with characteristic silver-grey foliage and shoots. Throughout the growing season, from late spring to mid-autumn, it undergoes vegetative growth, establishing a strong root system and woody stems. In late summer to autumn, it enters the reproductive stage, producing spikes of pink flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds are formed which are dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the cycle. In the winter, Heather 'Silver Queen' enters dormancy, with growth slowing down and the plant conserving energy until the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
The Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Queen', commonly known as Heather, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is the most popular method and is best done in late summer. To propagate Heather by cuttings, one would cut a piece of the stem that has this year's growth but has begun to harden. It should be about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should then be placed in a sheltered location with indirect sunlight and kept moist until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
