Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Sunset'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Calluna vulgaris 'Sunset', commonly known as the Scottish Heather, is a small, evergreen shrub characterized by its dense, bushy appearance. This plant is notable for its small, scale-like leaves that are often a bright green or yellow-green hue, complemented by vibrant, sunset-colored new growth that glows in shades of orange, red, or gold. The Scottish Heather blooms in late summer to early fall, producing small, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers typically appear in various shades of purple to reddish-pink, which contrasts beautifully with the colorful foliage and add to the plant’s ornamental appeal. The flowers are usually arranged in racemes, or clusters, that provide a showy display that persists for several weeks. This plant is a popular choice in gardens due to its year-round visual interest and its ability to provide vivid color, especially when its foliage changes hues throughout the seasons. The Scottish Heather thrives in well-drained, acidic soils, and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is often utilized in rock gardens, as groundcover, in borders, or as part of a heathland or moorland garden theme.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Scottish Heather, Ling Heather, Common Heather
- Common names
  Calluna vulgaris 'Sunset'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Heather, specifically Calluna vulgaris 'Sunset', is not known for being toxic to humans. Generally, this plant is considered non-toxic and there are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting it. Therefore, ingesting parts of heather typically should not lead to any severe consequences for humans.
- To pets
  Heather, the common name for Calluna vulgaris 'Sunset', is not commonly associated with toxicity in pets. It is not listed as a toxic plant to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. As such, ingestion of heather by pets is not expected to cause serious symptoms of poisoning or lead to any significant adverse health consequences. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset simply due to its indigestible nature.
Characteristics
- Life 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
- Enhances Landscape Aesthetics: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its pink, purple, or white flowers and green to bronze foliage.
- Attracts Wildlife: Draws butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it ideal for low-water landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established and is relatively disease and pest-resistant.
- Year-Round Interest: Offers visual interest throughout the seasons with evergreen foliage and changing flower colors.
- Ground Cover: Dense growing habit helps suppress weeds and protect soil from erosion.
- Tolerates Poor Soil: Adapts to a range of soil conditions, including acidic and low-fertility soils.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for various climates and hardy in many regions.
- Flexible Garden Use: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and containers, offering versatility in garden design.
- Traditional Uses: Holds cultural significance in some regions and is often used in heathland and moorland restoration projects.
Medical Properties
- Anti-inflammatory: Heather has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Diuretic: Heather has diuretic effects, which means it can help promote the production of urine, aiding in detoxification and the elimination of waste from the body.
- Antimicrobial: There is some evidence to suggest that Heather possesses antimicrobial properties, which could be beneficial in fighting certain infections.
- Antiseptic: Historically, Heather has been used for its antiseptic qualities, which may help cleanse and protect wounds from infection.
- Urinary tract health: Heather has been traditionally used to support urinary tract health and may help in relieving urinary tract infections.
Please note that while these uses are part of traditional or historic herbal practices, scientific evidence may be limited, and these applications should not replace medical advice or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before using any herb for medicinal purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Flower Arrangements: The colorful blossoms of Heather can be used to add an aesthetic value to bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Thatching Material: The strong stems of Heather can be employed in traditional roofing techniques for thatching.
- Brewing: Heather is sometimes used as an ingredient in the brewing of certain types of beer, giving it a distinctive flavor.
- Dye Production: Heather can be used to produce natural dyes for coloring wool and other natural fibers.
- Baking Ingredient: The flowers and shoots of Heather have been historically used to flavor breads and other baked goods.
- Wildlife Habitat: Heather plants can provide shelter and food for various species of wildlife, including bees and butterflies.
- Soil Erosion Control: Heather's dense growth habit can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Folk Art Material: The plant can be integrated into folk crafts, such as making small brooms or decorative objects.
- Festive Decoration: Heather can be used in wreaths and other decorations during holidays, particularly in the winter season.
- Biodegradable Bedding: Dried Heather is sometimes used as a biodegradable bedding material for livestock, poultry, or other small animals.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Heather is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Protection - Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as Heather, has been associated with protective properties since ancient times, believed to guard against harm and danger.
- Good fortune - Heather is also a symbol of good luck, often used in talismans and charms to attract positive outcomes.
- Solitude - The plant's preference for growing in remote moorlands has made it a symbol for solitude and the beauty of the lonely places of the world.
- Admiration - Due to its hardiness and the way it beautifies even the harshest landscapes, Heather symbolizes admiration for resilience and inner strength.
- New beginnings - Heather blooms signify the end of summer in the British Isles and thus represent new beginnings as one season transitions into another.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to autumn

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The common name for Calluna vulgaris 'Sunset' is Heather. Heather prefers consistent moisture but does not do well in soggy soil, so it's important to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this may mean watering once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions. Use enough water to moisten the soil, which might be around 1 gallon per plant for each watering session. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary, but always check soil moisture levels to avoid overwatering.
Light
Heather thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best when it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, so a spot that offers bright, indirect light throughout the day is ideal. Avoid deep shade, as too little light can result in poor growth and fewer blooms.
Temperature
Heather is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers moderate conditions. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it truly thrives in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Pruning is important for Heather to maintain its shape and promote new growth. Prune Heather after it flowers, typically in late summer, by trimming off the spent flower stalks and shaping the plant as desired. Prune annually, but be careful not to cut into the woody parts of the plant that may not regrow.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Scotch heather prefers acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. A mix of peat moss, sand, and pine bark is ideal for proper drainage and acidity.
Repotting
Scotch heather should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growth.
Humidity & Misting
Scotch heather thrives at moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various humidity conditions as long as the soil drainage is good.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Scotch heather in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-draining acidic soil.
- Hardiness zone
  4-8 USDA
Life cycle
Calluna vulgaris 'Sunset', commonly known as Scotch heather, begins its life cycle with seed germination which typically occurs in spring, requiring well-drained soil and sunlight. The seedlings then develop into juvenile plants, growing progressively through the season, establishing a network of fine roots in the process. As it matures into an adult plant, Scotch heather produces a flush of colorful foliage and small bell-shaped flowers, usually in late summer or early autumn, attracting various pollinators for reproduction. Following pollination, seeds are developed and dispersed by wind or wildlife to create new plants. The plant may enter a semi-dormant state in winter, especially in colder climates, conserving energy to resume growth in the next season. Over time, Calluna vulgaris 'Sunset' will age and may require pruning to rejuvenate its growth, completing its life cycle that can span several years in appropriate conditions.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to autumn
- Heather, specifically the Calluna vulgaris 'Sunset', is most commonly propagated through semi-ripe cuttings. This method is generally undertaken during the later part of summer. To propagate, one would cut a piece of stem about 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) long from the current year's growth, ensuring that there are at least two leaf nodes. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed into a mix of peat and perlite or sand to strike roots. A high humidity environment is maintained, often with the aid of a plastic bag or a propagator to prevent the cuttings from drying out. Once rooted, which may take several weeks, the new plants are gradually acclimated to the outside environment before being planted out.