Heather 'Wickwar Flame' Calluna vulgaris 'Wickwar Flame'

Water

Scotch Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Wickwar Flame') should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; this typically equates to about once a week, but frequency can depend on climate and soil conditions. Provide enough water to moisten the soil thoroughly, ensuring that excess water can drain freely from the pot or bed, which usually means using about 1 to 1.5 gallons for an outdoor plant. During the growing season, from spring to early fall, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering slightly to allow the plant to rest, but do not let the soil completely dry out.

Light

Scotch Heather thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it ideal to position it in a spot where it can enjoy at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, if you live in an area with particularly hot summers, provide some afternoon shade to prevent scorching, while still ensuring ample morning light for the best foliage and bloom display.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Scotch Heather is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it quite cold-hardy. While it prefers cooler climates, it's crucial to protect the plant from extreme heat, ensuring temperatures do not consistently exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal health.

Pruning

Prune Scotch Heather in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged stems. It's important to prune annually, lightly trimming the tips of the branches to encourage new growth and a bushy habit. The best time to prune is immediately after the plant has finished blooming to avoid cutting off next year's flower buds.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Wickwar Flame') thrives best in a soil mix that is well-drained, moisture-retentive, and rich in organic matter. A good mix is equal parts peat, sand, and loamy soil, with an acidic pH between 4.5 and 6.0 to ensure that this plant's roots can access essential nutrients.

Repotting

Heather should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and provide space for root growth. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to minimize stress on the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Heather prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable to various humidity levels as long as it is not overly dry. It can tolerate some dryness once well-established.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and consistent moisture.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, partial sun, protect from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Heather 'Wickwar Flame' begins its life cycle as a seed, which after germination in suitable conditions, emerges as a seedling with basic root and shoot structures. The seedling stage is followed by a period of vegetative growth wherein the plant develops a woody stem, needle-like leaves, and establishes a robust root system. After reaching maturity, which can take several years, the heather produces vibrant colored flowers typically in late summer to fall, that are pollinated by insects, leading to seed set. Once the flowers are pollinated and seeds are formed, they are dispersed by wind, animals, or other natural means to begin a new generation. After several years of productivity, the plant may enter a period of decline, characterized by reduced flowering and vigor, before eventually dying. Seasonal cycles of growth, dormancy during colder months, and rejuvenation in spring are repeated throughout the plant's lifespan.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to autumn

• Calluna vulgaris 'Wickwar Flame', also known as Scotch heather, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is during the late summer months. To do so, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length, making sure it has several leaves. Strip off the lower leaves to expose the nodes, as roots will develop from these points. Dip the base of the cutting into rooting hormone to encourage root growth and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist but not waterlogged and placed in a warm, indirect light until roots have developed sufficiently, which can typically take a few weeks to a couple of months.