Heather Calluna vulgaris 'White Carpet'

Water

Heather, known as 'White Carpet', thrives with consistent moisture but requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Water the plant deeply to encourage strong root growth, generally providing about one gallon of water per week during active growing seasons such as spring and summer. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to half a gallon per week or less, depending on the rainfall and climate. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering, so always check the soil moisture by touching the soil; it should be slightly moist but not soggy to prevent stressing the plant.

Light

Heather or 'White Carpet' prefers full sun to partial shade conditions. It flourishes best when it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to sparse foliage and fewer flowers. Position the plant in a spot where it can enjoy morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in areas with very hot summer sun, to prevent scorching.

Temperature

Heather, commonly named 'White Carpet', grows optimally at temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 20°F and maximum temperatures up to 80°F. These temperature ranges make it a versatile shrub for various climates but ensure to protect the plant from extreme winter conditions by mulching or covering if temperatures dip below its tolerance threshold.

Pruning

Prune Heather, or 'White Carpet', to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is in the spring immediately after the blooms have faded. This prevents cutting off the buds for the next season and promotes denser foliage. Annually trimming the top one-third of the growth is sufficient, and this will help to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and overgrown.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the Scottish Heather 'White Carpet', a well-draining, acidic soil mix with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0 is best. Combine peat moss, sand, and pine bark in equal parts to create an ideal growing medium for this plant.

Repotting

Scottish Heather 'White Carpet' does not require frequent repotting; repot every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Scottish Heather 'White Carpet' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives in moderate humidity, avoiding overly dry or damp conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and good airflow for Scottish Heather.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained acidic soil, full sun to part shade for Scottish Heather.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

Calluna vulgaris 'White Carpet', commonly known as Heather 'White Carpet', begins its life cycle with germination, which occurs when its tiny seeds are in contact with damp, well-drained acidic soil and have ample light. The seedlings grow into young plants that establish a deep root system while developing woody stems and evergreen leaves. As an adult, Heather 'White Carpet' reaches maturity and blooms in late summer to early fall, producing white flowers that attract pollinators and subsequently form seed capsules. Following pollination, seeds are dispersed naturally, often by wind, to begin a new cycle. In winter, the plant endures dormancy, with its foliage sometimes turning to bronze or brown shades in colder climates. After several years, typically ranging from 4 to 6, the plant may become woody and less vigorous, at which point it can be renovated by pruning to stimulate new growth or left to complete its life cycle and eventually die back.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The Scottish Heather 'White Carpet', a cultivar of Calluna vulgaris, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This popular method is best conducted in late summer or early fall, after flowering, to allow enough time for the cuttings to establish before winter. To propagate, take a 3 to 5 inch (approximately 8 to 13 cm) cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and plant it in a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium. Maintain consistent moisture and cover the cuttings with a plastic dome or place them in a greenhouse to retain humidity until roots establish, which can take several weeks to a few months. Once rooted, gradually acclimatize the new plants to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final location the following spring.