Calluna vulgaris, also known as broom heather or summer heather, is in high season in late summer and autumn. The magnificently flowering ornamental shrub is not only a real eye-catcher outdoors, but also a valuable source of food for bees and other pollinating insects in autumn. We explain how to plant and care for the common heather so that it blooms for a long time and gets through the winter well.
Planting and caring for common heather: The most important things in the profile
The broom heather at a glance:
- Origin: native to Northern Europe
- is now also widespread in North America
- perennial ornamental shrub
- The common heather is winter hardy
- grows upright
- maximum growth height: 50 cm
- Flowering time: early July to late November
- Flower color: pink, white, various shades of purple, pink, yellow
- Foliage: evergreen leaves
- insect-friendly, offersFood for pollinating insects(Exceptions are varieties with double flowers)
Broom heather and Erika (Snow heather Erica carnea): What's the difference?
The common heather and heather belong to the same plant family (heather family), but there are differences. The many small bell-shaped flowers are typical of Erica carnea. Erikas have a compact and low growth and are barely 30 cm high. They are conditionally hardy; in regions with a mild climate they can withstand the winter without any problems. Otherwise they need frost protection and some varieties must be brought into winter quarters after the flowering period. Erika blooms in spring and early spring.
In contrast, common heather blooms in autumn, is hardy and can easily tolerate even sub-zero temperatures.
Heather Calluna vulgaris is a hardy plant
What does broom heather look like in winter?Even in winter, the common heather is a delight to look at with its evergreen leaves. Some varieties retain their flowers until autumn; with proper care, the flowering period can be extended until the end of November.
Care in winter:Calluna vulgaris tolerates sub-zero temperatures without any problems. It can survive the winter even without frost protection, as long as the soil is never allowed to dry out. A layer of mulch made from brushwood protects the plant from drying out. However, the potted plants are more susceptible to frost because the volume of soil in the containers is significantly smaller. To protect the root balls, the pots are wrapped with fleece.
Planting summer heather: demands on location and soil
Location:The common heather prefers a location in the sun, but can also thrive in sunny and partially shaded places. Wind and rain protection are also not necessary.
Soil condition:A nutrient-rich, slightly acidic, airy and permeable soil proves to be optimallow lime contentt. If you have clay soil in your garden, you should improve it. Summer heather has fine roots that cannot absorb water and nutrients from a dense soil mass.
If necessary, you can also enrich the garden soil with organic compost. Work in sand to improve drainage. Use rhododendron soil if you want to plant the summer heather in containers. If the soil is calcareous, it helps if you use coniferous soil and oak leaf compost with additives such as wood flour and horn shavings.
Plant common heather at the beginning of the flowering period
Prepare soil:The summer heather does not tolerate root competition. You should plant the plants at a certain distance from tall shrubs and trees. Pull weeds and remove new weeds regularly so that the young plants can develop their roots.
The right time:September is the right time to plant common heather. Choose a cloudy day without rain or plant summer heather early in the morning on a sunny day. Plant the young plants as soon as possible after purchasing them so that they can get used to it before the first frost.
Plant spacing:Since the hardy perennials have a compact, upright growth, they should always be grouped. Plant spacing varies depending on the variety. For most varieties of summer heather, a distance of 40 cm is sufficient.
Fertilize:Fertilization is carried out once a year in spring. When planting in the fall, you can avoid adding fertilizer and instead work compost into the soil.
Prepare the young plants:Before planting, you can place the summer heather in a clean container with descaled, lukewarm water. Wait several minutes until no more air bubbles appear. This is a sign that the plant's roots have become saturated.
Planting hole:Dig a planting hole 16 cm deep. Place a plant in each hole and cover the roots with soil.
Mulching:Spread mulch. The mulch layer should be between 5 and 7 cm thick to prevent moisture from evaporating.
Pour:Water the ornamental shrub thoroughly after planting. To ensure that summer heather blooms profusely and for a long time, it should be watered regularly. The plant cannot tolerate drought well. Only use decalcified tap water or, even better, rainwater.
Extending the flowering period of common heather: Useful care tips
If you want to enjoy the many delicate flowers of the common heather all autumn long, then you should care for the ornamental shrub properly. The following tips will help:
1. Water only with decalcified water. Water regularly and extensively.
2. Use organic compost for rhododendrons when planting.
3. If the heather produces fewer flowers, measure the pH and lime content of the soil. Maybe then change the location.
4. The roots of young plants react very sensitively to high salt content. They are also more susceptible to fungal infection. If the summer heather suddenly withers, then it may be oneact fungal disease.
4. The soil in the pot dries out more quickly in late summer. Therefore, check regularly and water more often.
5. The roots of potted plants are more susceptible to frost. At the end of September, wrap the pots with fleece.
