Calluna, planting guide and care work

calluna
calluna-bouquet

Calluna (Calluna vulgaris), also called Common Heather Plant, belongs to the Ericaceae botanical family, genus Calluna. It is an evergreen perennial species, beloved for its dense, colorful bush appearance. It blooms abundantly, and the small flowers remain for a long time on the branches, offering a playful and cheerful decoration to any environment. It is cultivated both in the soil of gardens, courtyards and parks, as well as in flower pots or planters placed on terraces, balconies or indoors.

The inflorescences are often used in bouquets or floral arrangements. In Scotland, the white flowers are considered to bring good luck, which is why they are not missing from bridal bouquets. In addition, Calluna is one of the national flowers of Norway.

Species description

It is a species with dense, branched flowering stems, approx. 20-50 cm long, having the appearance of a short bush that covers the ground well, like a colored carpet. The leaves are small, thin, similar to those of coniferous species. The flowers form starting with June-July in the case of early species, respectively at the end of August, in the case of late ones. They are very small and clustered towards the top of the flowering stems. Most often, the flowers are purple, rarely being found in nature, pink, white or light green ones. Specimens of Calluna sold in other shades (yellow, blue, orange, red, etc.) were obtained by controlled hybridization and artificial coloring.

Cultivars. There are several hundred cultivars of Calluna vulgaris, the main differences between them being the size, the color of the inflorescences, the color of the leaves and the flowering period. Among these we mention the following:

  • Calluna vulgaris ‘Aphrodite’
  • Calluna vulgaris ‘Disco queen’
  • Calluna vulgaris ‘Alicia’
  • Calluna vulgaris ‘Firefly’
  • Calluna vulgaris ‘Annemarie’ etc.

Environmental conditions

calluna-4

Light. It vegetates well in full sun or partial shade.

Temperature. It can withstand very low temperatures and the frost in the cold season. However, if the temperatures drop below -15 ℃, it is recommended to cover the plants with hay, compost or litter.

Soil. It prefers slightly sandy, weakly or moderately acidic, well-drained soils. It grows satisfactorily on poor soils.

Care

Watering. In the period immediately following the planting, it is recommended to keep the soil damp. In the garden, Calluna does not require watering after planting, except during dry periods. In the case of cultivation in flower pots and planters, watering will be done whenever the soil is dry on the surface, avoiding excessive watering. The water used must be free of salts, the most suitable being rain water .

Fertilization. The application of fertilizers specially formulated for evergreen plants needs to be carried out occasionally.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
calluna-5

Pruning. It is recommended to be carried out in late March – early April. It is removed approx. ½ – â…“ from the height of the stems, with the help of scissors. In the case of cultivars that bloom early (summer), pruning can be carried out in late autumn.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Planting. The optimal time for planting is late autumn or spring. The recommended planting distance is 15-20 cm, and between tall plants and Calluna, a free area of min. 50-60 cm is required. Thus, light and air circulation are ensured, which are necessary for satisfactory development.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Propagation. It can be done by germination, from seeds, or by vegetative means, by dividing the bush, cuttings or layering. Success in the case of germination is often reduced, especially in the case of hybrid species, found on the market. Therefore, vegetative propagation, carried out in the summer months, is used more often.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Diseases and pests. Calluna is often attacked by pest such as aphids or plant lice. In conditions of high temperatures and high humidity, Calluna can be affected by rot. Preventively and for control, it is recommended to apply treatments with specific insecticides and fungicides.

Additionally:
  • In optimal conditions, Calluna can live up to 25 years.
  • Calluna has therapeutic properties, being used in the preparation of teas, essential oils, as well as in the health care industry.
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