Calluna vulgaris

Prostrate to loosely upright dwarf shrub, 0.2-0.7 m tall, up to 0.5 m wide, many branches, some runners, slow-growing.

Small, bell-shaped, single (or double), densely packed on the end of twigs, varying in colour; (end of July) August to September; slight scent of honey.

Inconspicuous.

Evergreen, small, like needles, various colours.

Sun to light shade; tolerates warmth, moderately frost hardy, surviving in dry areas when humidity is high.

Fresh to moist, nutritious, on all humic, very acidic to neutral substrates; sensitive to heavy soil.

Cut the last year's shoots back halfway at the end of March to April to further flower production; cutting back deep into old wood reduces shooting; plants lose their habit and age when not cut. Cushion shapes need cutting less often.

Zone 6a