Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose'
ABOUT
The Silver Rose heather is a visually appealing small evergreen shrub known for its silver-green foliage and eye-catching rose-pink flowers. The leaves of this plant are tiny, scale-like, and packed tightly along the stems, giving it a fine-textured look from a distance. This heather variety is particularly noted for the silver tint on the leaves, which adds a shimmering effect to the plant's overall appearance. When in bloom, the plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers clustered along the stems. The color of the flowers is a delicate rose-pink, lending to its name 'Silver Rose'. These blossoms usually appear in profusion and can cover the plant, offering a striking contrast against its silver-green foliage. The Silver Rose heather has an overall bushy, mounding habit, forming a dense and mat-like presence in the landscape. Its fine foliage texture and charming flowers make it a favorite in gardens where it is often used as ground cover, in rock gardens, or as part of mixed borders to provide continued interest with its long blooming period.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Scotch Heather, Ling, Heather, Heath
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heather is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', commonly known as Heather, is not typically associated with poisoning and does not usually result in any ill effects.
To pets
Heather is also considered to be non-toxic to pets. This means that Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', or Heather, is not poisonous to domestic animals and ingestion of any part of the plant is unlikely to cause symptoms of poisoning or have harmful consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', commonly known as heather, attract bees and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Heather is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive with minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Year-Round Interest: Heather adds visual interest throughout the year with evergreen foliage and seasonal blooms.
- Soil Erosion Control: The dense growth habit of heather can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and in areas prone to erosion.
- Landscape Versatility: Ideal for rock gardens, borders, and ground cover, it provides flexibility in landscaping designs.
- Winter Hardiness: Heather is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates.
- Color Variety: 'Silver Rose' adds a unique color variation to the garden with its silver-tipped leaves and rose-colored flowers.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and habitat to wildlife, such as birds and beneficial insects.
- Cultural Significance: Heather has a rich cultural history and is often associated with luck and protection in folklore.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Heather (Calluna vulgaris) is sometimes used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antiseptic: The plant has been traditionally used for its antiseptic qualities.
- Diuretic: Heather has a reputation as a diuretic, promoting the flow of urine.
- Mild sedative: Herbal preparations of heather may have mild sedative effects.
- Treatment of urinary conditions: Heather is traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
- Detoxifying agent: Heather has been considered a blood purifier and a detoxifying herb.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The flowering shoots of Heather can be used to create natural dyes ranging in color from yellow to green, useful in traditional fabric dyeing processes.
- Flavoring Agent: Heather flowers can add flavor to homemade jams, jellies, and even honey, infusing them with a unique, delicate taste.
- Brewing Beer: Historically, Heather has been used in the fermentation of certain beers, giving them a distinct flavor profile.
- Thatching Material: In some rural areas, Heather has been traditionally used as a thatching material for roofs due to its durability and waterproof properties.
- Livestock Bedding: The plants can be dried and used to create comfortable, absorbent bedding for livestock in barns and stables.
- Wildlife Habitat: Planting Heather in gardens can provide an important habitat and food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Erosion Control: Heather is effective in preventing soil erosion when planted on banks and slopes because of its dense root system.
- Traditional Crafts: Its woody stems can be used in basket weaving and the making of small crafts or decorative items.
- Biodegradable Flower Arrangements: Heather can be included in biodegradable flower arrangements that can be composted after use.
- Fish Tank Decoration: When dried, Heather can also be used to decorate fish tanks, offering a natural look and hiding places for fish.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHeather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHeather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Good Fortune: As part of the heather family, the Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', commonly known as heather, traditionally symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.
- Protection: Heather is often associated with protective qualities, offering safety against dangers and threats.
- Independence: Heather thrives on open, barren land, embodying self-reliance and a strong survival instinct, making independence one of its key symbolic meanings.
- Admiration: Due to its enduring beauty and resilience, heather can represent admiration for someone's strength and character.
- Beauty: With its delicate purple flowers and picturesque quality, heather often carries the meaning of beauty in its natural form.
- Solitude: Growing in vast, undisturbed fields, heather can be a symbol of solitude and contemplation, inviting introspection.
WaterHeather, also known as Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', requires consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once or twice a week. Depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions, this can range from a few onzes for small potted heathers to gallons for larger plants in the landscape. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy weather, less frequent watering is necessary. Always allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions to prevent root rot.
LightHeather, commonly referred to as Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for this plant is a spot where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. Although it can tolerate some shade, too little light can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth. If you live in a particularly hot climate, providing afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat.
TemperatureHeather, commonly known as Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can typically survive winter cold down to around 20 Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 Fahrenheit during the day. While heather can endure brief periods of higher temperatures, prolonged heat above 80 Fahrenheit can be stressful for the plant.
PruningHeather, commonly called Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', should be pruned to encourage bushy growth and maintain an attractive shape. The best time for pruning is in the spring, just after the plant has finished flowering. This allows time for new growth to mature and flower in the following season. Prune lightly, removing only the top inch or so of growth to avoid cutting into old wood, which may not regenerate. Depending on the plant's growth, pruning may be needed annually or every couple of years.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather (Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose') thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. A mix containing equal parts of peat moss, sand, and loamy soil will create the ideal conditions. Adding pine needles or sulfur can help maintain the soil's acidity.
RepottingHeather should be repotted every two to three years in spring before new growth begins. Ensure the new pot is only marginally larger than the old one to prevent waterlogging.
Humidity & MistingHeather prefers a moderately high humidity environment. Aim for 40-60% humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining acidic soil.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleCalluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', commonly known as Heather 'Silver Rose', begins its life as a seed, germinating in moist, well-drained acidic soil, typically in spring or autumn. After germination, it enters the seedling stage, where it slowly develops a woody base and fine needle-like leaves, favoring full sun to partial shade. It reaches the vegetative stage, forming a low-growing evergreen shrub with silver-tinted foliage. During late summer to fall, the plant reaches the flowering stage, producing small, bell-shaped, pinkish flowers attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, flowers develop into small seed pods, spreading seeds for the next generation. The plant can live for several years, eventually becoming woody and may require pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Calluna vulgaris 'Silver Rose', commonly known as Scotch heather, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is typically carried out in late summer. To propagate Scotch heather, a gardener would select healthy, semi-ripe shoots that are not flowering and cut them to a length of 2 to 4 inches (approximately 5 to 10 centimeters). The cuttings should have a few leaves left at the top, and the bottom half should be stripped of foliage. For rooting, the bottom of the cuttings is dipped in a rooting hormone to stimulate growth and then placed in a well-draining rooting medium such as a mixture of peat and perlite or sand. The cuttings are then kept in a humid environment with bright, indirect light and consistent moisture until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transferred to individual pots to grow on before being planted out in their final location.
