Heather 'Sir John Charrington' Calluna vulgaris 'Sir John Charrington'
ABOUT
'Sir John Charrington' is a spreading evergreen shrub, compact in habit, with foliage yellow and orange in summer, becoming reddish in winter. Flowers mauve-pink in short racemes
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Heather, Ling, Scotch Heather.
Common names
Calluna vulgaris.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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- Low Maintenance: Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as Heather, is a hardy plant requiring minimal care once established, ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Heather is capable of surviving in dry conditions, making it suitable for regions with water shortages or restrictions.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen foliage and long-lasting blooms, Heather adds color and texture to gardens throughout the year.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of Heather are a rich nectar source, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: This plant's dense growing habit helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion on slopes and banks.
- Adaptability: Heather can thrive in a variety of soils, from acidic to poor-quality substrates, as long as they are well-draining.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for use in rock gardens, borders, ground covers, and as part of a heath or moorland garden theme.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Historically used to soothe inflammation in various conditions.
- Antiseptic: Traditionally applied to minor wounds or skin irritations to prevent infection.
- Diuretic: Once used to promote the production and flow of urine.
- Mild sedative: Allegedly used to help induce relaxation or alleviate mild sleep disturbances.
- Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest that components in the plant may have antimicrobial effects.
- Astringent: Used in traditional medicine to tighten tissues and reduce discharge.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Traditional Beverage Flavoring: Leaves of the heather plant can be used to add a unique and aromatic flavor to beers and teas, reminiscent of the Scottish and Nordic countryside.
- Ecological Indicator: Heather is sometimes used by ecologists as a bioindicator to assess the health of heathland ecosystems and soil quality.
- Beekeeping: Heather provides a valuable source of nectar for bees; resulting in a distinctive heather honey that is highly prized for its flavor and jelly-like consistency.
- Dye Production: The plant can yield natural dyes, providing beautiful shades of yellow, green, or even a light tan color, depending on the mordant used.
- Gardening Mulch: Dried heather clippings can enrich garden beds by serving as an attractive mulch that retains soil moisture and deters weeds.
- Biodegradable Bedding: In poultry farming, dried heather can be used as biodegradable and absorbent bedding for chickens and other birds.
- Craft Material: Dried stems and flowers can be woven into baskets or used to create decorative wreaths and ornaments with their natural beauty intact.
- Wildlife Habitat: In landscape design, planting heather can provide shelter and food for various wildlife, including small mammals and beneficial insects.
- Textile Fiber: Some experimental efforts have been made to use the fibrous stems of heather in creating sustainable textiles for clothing and accessories.
- Stress Reduction: The simple act of caring for heather plants may have therapeutic value, similar to other forms of gardening, contributing to stress relief and psychological well-being.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe heather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Heather, which is the common name for Calluna vulgaris, has been often associated with protective powers, believed to guard against negative influences and danger.
- Good Fortune: It is thought to bring good luck and is often carried as a charm or amulet to attract positive energy and prosperity.
- Admiration and Beauty: Heather's delicate appearance has made it a symbol of admiration and the beauty of nature.
- Solitude: Due to heather's propensity to thrive on barren moors and in highlands, it has come to represent solitude and the ability to withstand harsh conditions.
- New Beginnings: Heather blooms in the late summer, a time that can signify the start of something new, and thus it is often related to new beginnings.
WaterHeather plants like 'Sir John Charrington' prefer consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Water these plants deeply so that water reaches the root zone, usually about 1 gallon per plant, depending on size. During the growing season, water once or twice a week, more frequently in hot or dry weather. In the winter, reduce watering but do not allow the heather to dry out completely, as they are evergreen and still transpire water. It is important to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightHeathers, including 'Sir John Charrington', thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Plant them in a spot where they can benefit from morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in regions with intense sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Bright, indirect light for the remainder of the day is ideal for their growth and flower production.
TemperatureHeathers such as 'Sir John Charrington' are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They do well in temperatures between 32°F and 70°F. These plants can withstand temperatures down to about 10°F and up to around 80°F, though extreme heat can be harmful. The ideal temperature for thriving and flowering is between 50°F and 65°F.
Pruning'Sir John Charrington' Heather should be pruned to maintain shape, encourage bushy growth, and promote vibrant flowering. Prune these heathers lightly immediately after they bloom, which is typically in late summer or early fall. Remove spent flowers and lightly shape the plant, but avoid cutting into old wood as this can prevent the heather from flowering the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather, the common name for Calluna vulgaris 'Sir John Charrington', thrives in well-drained, moisture-retentive, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-6. A good soil mix consists of peat moss, sand, and pine bark in equal parts to ensure proper drainage and maintain acidity.
RepottingHeather should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best done in spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingHeather prefers a moderate level of humidity and can typically tolerate the natural outdoor humidity levels. It is not necessary to artificially increase indoor humidity for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, away from heat sources.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winter winds.
Hardiness zone
4-6 USDA
Life cycleCalluna vulgaris 'Sir John Charrington', commonly known as heather, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in well-drained, acidic soil, typically in spring. After germination, the seedling grows into a young plant, developing a woody stem and fine root system. During the vegetative stage, heather plants grow and spread, forming clumps of evergreen foliage with needle-like leaves. As they reach maturity, usually within a year or two, heather plants flower in late summer to early fall, producing small pink, purple, or white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. After pollination, seeds form and are dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive cycle. Heather plants are perennial, with a life span that can exceed several years, during which they may experience periods of dormancy followed by regrowth as seasons change.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
Propogation: The common name for Calluna vulgaris 'Sir John Charrington' is Heather, and it is typically propagated through semi-ripe cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the current year's growth in the late summer to early fall, after the blooms have faded but before the plant has gone completely dormant. The ideal length for each cutting is about 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters). Stripping the leaves from the lower half of the stem, the cut end should be dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then placed in a well-drained soil mix, ensuring good contact between the stem and the growing medium. A high humidity environment is beneficial, so covering the cuttings with a plastic dome or bag can aid in retaining moisture. It typically takes several weeks for the cuttings to root adequately before they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
