Calluna vulgaris 'Tijdens Copper'
ABOUT
Calluna vulgaris 'Tijdens Copper', commonly known as Scotch heather or simply heather, is a small, evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant foliage and flowers. It presents a striking appearance throughout the year due to its changing leaf color, which shifts from shades of orange, copper, and yellow. During the flowering season, which typically occurs from late summer to fall, Scotch heather produces small, bell-shaped blossoms that cluster along its stems. The flowers can be a range of colors, including white, pink, purple, or red, adding to the plant's decorative appeal. The leaves of the 'Tijdens Copper' variety are tiny, scale-like, and closely packed, giving it a dense, fine-textured look. These leaves may change color with the seasons, providing garden interest even when the plant is not in bloom. Scotch heather is well-regarded for its hardiness and is often used in rock gardens, as ground cover, and in borders for ornamental purposes. Its ability to provide year-round color and structure to a garden setting, even in colder climates, makes it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers. The plant exhibits an upright, mound-forming habit, and it can be easily combined with other evergreens or flowering plants to create a varied and attractive landscape display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Scottish Heather, Ling Heather, Heather
Common names
Calluna vulgaris.
ToxicityTo humans
Heather, the most common name for Calluna vulgaris, including the 'Tijdens Copper' variety, is generally not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of the plant typically does not lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. Nonetheless, individual sensitivities can vary, so it's always a good practice to avoid eating any plant parts unless they are known to be safe and intended for human consumption.
To pets
Heather, which is the most common name for Calluna vulgaris, including the 'Tijdens Copper' variety, is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for animals, and ingestion of the plant is unlikely to cause poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large amounts could potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets due to their sensitive digestive systems. It is still best for pet owners to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Varies
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its small, bell-shaped flowers and copper-colored foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Winter Interest: Retains its foliage and color even in the winter, providing year-round interest in the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from late summer into fall, offering extended beauty in the landscape.
- Deer Resistance: Generally not preferred by deer, which helps prevent damage in areas with deer populations.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it suitable for container gardening and small garden spaces.
- Versatility: Can be used in rock gardens, as ground cover, or in borders, offering various landscaping options.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest heather, the common name for Calluna vulgaris, possesses anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial: Heather has been reported to have antimicrobial effects, potentially useful in combating bacterial infections.
- Diuretic: Traditionally, heather may have been used for its diuretic effects, helping to promote urine production and possibly support kidney health.
- Antiseptic: Heather has been used for its antiseptic qualities, which may be beneficial for cleaning wounds and preventing infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Heather is used in the craft of thatching, traditionally providing materials for roofs in rural areas of Scotland and England.
- Dye can be produced from the Calluna vulgaris plant, yielding various shades of yellow, green, and orange depending on the mordant used.
- Landscape art utilizes heather for ecological projects and garden sculptures due to its colorful and sturdy nature.
- The woody stems of Calluna vulgaris, after drying, have been historically used for making small tools and brooms.
- In beekeeping, heather is highly valued for the unique, jelly-like heather honey created from its nectar.
- Heather has been used in traditional smoking processes, particularly in the production of some Scottish cheeses and whiskies.
- The flowers are sometimes added to potpourri mixes, contributing a delicate fragrance and vibrant color to the mix.
- Some rural communities use heather in bedding for livestock as a natural, absorbent material.
- Heather is occasionally employed in textile arts, particularly as a natural plant material for felt making due to its fine foliage.
- Bird nesting material is sometimes crafted from heather, inviting wildlife into the garden and providing natural pest control.
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, has been associated with protective qualities, often believed to guard against evil and danger.
- Good Fortune: Heather is also symbolic of good luck, and in some cultures, it’s thought to bring about positive change or fortune when gifted or carried.
- Admiration: The resilience and enduring beauty of heather can represent admiration for someone's ability to withstand challenges.
- Solitude: In literature and folklore, heather sometimes represents a preference for solitude or conveys the beauty found in remote and wild landscapes.
- New Beginnings: With its capacity to robustly colonize barren land, heather can symbolize new beginnings or starting over.
WaterHeather (Calluna vulgaris 'Tijdens Copper') prefers consistently moist soil, but it's important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Water your Heather when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions. Use approximately one gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it's spread evenly around the base of the plant. During hotter, drier months, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy periods, less often. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to adjust accordingly.
LightHeather thrives best in full sun to partial shade, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for Calluna vulgaris 'Tijdens Copper' is an area that receives morning sun and partial afternoon shade, or a location with dappled sunlight throughout the day. Too much shade may result in sparse growth and fewer blooms, while too much intense afternoon sun can stress the plant, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureHeather is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. It can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many cooler climates. Its ideal temperature range is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid locations where temperatures frequently drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or soar above 80 degrees Fahrenheit as these conditions can stress the plant and affect its growth and blooming.
PruningHeather should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Trim Calluna vulgaris 'Tijdens Copper' immediately after flowering, which usually means a light pruning in late fall or early spring. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and lightly shape the plant without cutting into old wood, as this can hinder new growth. Pruning every year helps to prevent the center of the plant from becoming too woody.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeather, or Calluna vulgaris 'Tijdens Copper', thrives best in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 to 6. A mix of peat, sand, and loamy soil would be ideal. Amending the soil with sulfur can help achieve the desired acidity.
RepottingHeather should be repotted every 3 to 5 years. It's essential not to disturb the roots too much during repotting and to use the appropriate acidic soil mix.
Humidity & MistingHeather prefers moderate to high humidity conditions. Aim for humidity levels around 40-60% for optimal growth of this Calluna variety.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use acidic soil, bright light, and keep humidity high.
Outdoor
Plant in acidic soil, partial sun, water well, and protect from wind.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleScotch Heather 'Tijdens Copper' begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring under suitable conditions of light, temperature, and moisture. Seedlings emerge and slowly mature into woody, evergreen shrubs with a sprawling habit. Over several years, the plant establishes itself, producing narrow, copper-colored leaves and, in late summer to fall, small, bell-shaped flowers that can be pink, purple, or white. After pollination by insects, the flowers develop into seed capsules that release seeds in autumn or the following spring. The plant continues to grow and spread, entering a period of vegetative growth each spring which includes producing new shoots and leaves; this vegetative phase may be repeated for many years as the plant is perennial. Eventually, older Scotch Heather plants may become woody and less vigorous, at which point they can be pruned to rejuvenate growth or may die back, completing their life cycle, which may span several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as Scotch heather or simply heather, is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking these cuttings is during late summer to early autumn. To propagate heather, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a piece around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. Strip the lower foliage to reveal a bare stem, which can then be dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cuttings should be planted in a soil mix that is well-draining and kept moist but not overly wet. Placing the pot in a bright area out of direct sunlight encourages rooting without the risk of scorching the cuttings. It typically takes several weeks for the cuttings to root sufficiently before they can be potted up individually.
