Scotch Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Cream'
ABOUT
The 'Spring Cream' variety of heather is a small, evergreen shrub that is widely appreciated for its distinctive foliage and flowers. Characterized by its cream-colored new growth in spring, this plant has leaves that are small, scale-like and tightly packed on the branches, which create a fine, textured appearance. The older foliage settles into a muted green hue later in the year, providing a beautiful contrast to the newer, lighter tips. During its blooming season, this heather produces small, bell-shaped flowers that cluster along the stems. The flowers are typically a soft shade of lavender-pink, adding a delicate splash of color to the garden landscape. The combination of colorful new growth and subtle flowers gives 'Spring Cream' heather a unique and charming presence that stands out among other garden plants. With a natural mound-like growth habit, it can serve as an effective ground cover or as an attractive feature in rock gardens, borders, and container plantings. Despite the avoidance of size specifics, it is traditionally a plant that fits well in various garden designs due to its compact nature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Scotch Heather, Ling Heather, Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Cream'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Calluna vulgaris is heather. Heather is generally not toxic to humans, and there are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant. It is often considered safe and has historically been used in a variety of traditional medicines and teas. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause adverse reactions in some people.
To pets
Heather is not typically toxic to pets, and it is not known to cause serious harm if ingested by animals such as dogs or cats. While it is generally considered safe, pets may still experience mild stomach upset if they consume a large amount of the plant due to the unusual material in their diet. It is always prudent to monitor pets to ensure they do not consume large amounts of non-food plants, as this can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 feet 4 inches (40 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Cream', commonly known as Heather, adds a splash of color to gardens with its cream-colored new growth that contrasts with older, green foliage.
- Easy Maintenance: Heather is known for being hardy and low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of the Heather plant are attractive to bees and butterflies, which helps pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Year-Round Interest: With its evergreen foliage and seasonal flowers, Heather provides visual interest throughout the year.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Heather is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in areas with lower rainfall.
- Soil Adaptability: Heather can survive in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained, acidic soil.
- Erosion Control: The plant's dense growth habit can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion on slopes.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Heather can be used in various landscape designs, including rock gardens, borders, ground cover, and as a complement to other shrubs.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowering season of Heather can last from late summer into fall, providing color for an extended period.
- Cultural Significance: Heather has a long history of cultural significance in regions like Scotland, where it is emblematic of the natural landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Crafts: Heather's dried flowers and stems can be used to make intricate floral arrangements and wreaths that retain their color and form for a long time.
- Dye Production: The plant can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and yarns. It typically produces shades of yellow, green, or tan depending on the mordant used.
- Thatching Material: Historically, Heather was used as a thatching material for roofs due to its water-resistant properties and durability.
- Wildlife Habitat: Heather provides cover and nesting opportunities for various species of wildlife, including insects, birds, and small mammals.
- Aquarium Landscaping: Dried Heather can be used as decorative elements in aquariums, providing a natural look and places for small fish to hide.
- Livestock Bedding: The plant, when dried, can be used to create a comfortable and absorbent bedding for livestock like horses and cattle.
- Beverage Flavoring: Heather has been used to flavor beers and ales, particularly in traditional Scottish brews, adding a unique aroma and taste.
- Baking Ingredient: Its flowers can be incorporated into baked goods such as cakes and bread to add subtle flavor and aroma.
- Photography: The picturesque qualities of the plant make it a desirable feature in landscape photography, especially when in bloom.
- Erosion Control: Planting Heather on slopes and banks can help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion due to its mat-forming growth habit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHeather 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, is often associated with protective qualities, possibly due to its dense growth which can provide shelter for wildlife.
- Admiration: Heather is admired for its hardiness and for its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, symbolizing resilience and admiration for overcoming adversity.
- Beauty: With its delicate flowers, heather is recognized as a symbol of beauty, and 'Spring Cream' with its creamy white blossoms accentuates this aspect.
- Good Fortune: In some traditions, white heather, in particular, is believed to bring good fortune and is considered lucky, making 'Spring Cream' a fortuitous variety.
- Solitude: Heather sometimes represents solitude or loneliness as it often grows in remote, quiet areas, reflecting a peaceful presence in solitude.
WaterHeather requires even moisture and should not be allowed to dry out; however, overwatering can be just as detrimental. Water your 'Spring Cream' heather deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once or twice a week depending on the climate and weather conditions. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session to sufficiently hydrate the roots without leaving the plant waterlogged. During the winter months, reduce the watering frequency, as the plant's water needs will decrease with cooler temperatures and potentially increased rainfall.
Light'Spring Cream' heather thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot where the plant will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, afternoon shade can help protect the heather from excessive heat stress.
Temperature'Spring Cream' heather is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. The plant is cold hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 20°F, but it's vital to protect it from harsh, freezing winds. Ideally, plants should not be exposed to temperatures over 75°F for extended periods, as this can cause stress and inhibit growth.
PruningPrune 'Spring Cream' heather to shape it and encourage dense growth, typically after the plant has finished blooming in late spring. Pruning is also necessary to remove any dead or damaged stems and to promote better air circulation within the plant. Annually trimming back about one-third of the plant's growth will help keep it vigorous and blooming profusely. The best time for pruning is typically immediately after the plant has flowered.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather, the common name for Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Cream', thrives best in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. A mix of peat moss, sand, and pine bark creates an ideal substrate. Amend this mix with organic material to increase moisture retention and nutrient levels.
RepottingHeathers should be repotted every two to three years, preferably in the spring. Over time, the acidic soil can deplete, so fresh soil replenishment is essential to maintain health.
Humidity & MistingHeathers prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite resilient and can tolerate different humidity conditions as long as they are not extremely dry. They thrive best outdoors with natural air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure acidic soil, bright, indirect light, and cool temps for indoor heather.
Outdoor
Plant heather in acidic soil, partial shade, and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleHeather 'Spring Cream', a variety of Calluna vulgaris, begins its life cycle with germination from seed typically in spring, requiring well-draining acidic soil and good sunlight. In its vegetative stage, the plant develops numerous small, evergreen leaves along wiry stems and a dense, bushy growth habit. During its reproductive stage, which occurs in late summer to autumn, it blossoms with creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators like bees. Post-pollination, these flowers can develop into small seed capsules that release seeds to enable propagation. The plant reaches maturity within a few years and can live for a considerable time, becoming woody and less prolific in flowering as it ages. Seasonal maintenance, such as light pruning in early spring, can encourage robust new growth and prolong the decorative life of the 'Spring Cream' heather.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to spring
The most popular method for propagating Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Cream', commonly known as Scotch Heather, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. Typically, this is done in late summer to early fall. Select healthy, semi-ripe shoots from the current year's growth, making sure each cutting is about 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) long. Strip the lower leaves off and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful root development. Then, insert the cuttings into a mix of half peat and half perlite or sand, ensuring good contact between the cutting and the medium. Place the cuttings in a well-lit area, out of direct sunlight, and keep the medium moist but not waterlogged. With proper care, these cuttings should root in a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted to individual pots for further growth.
