Heather Seeds (Calluna vulgaris) – Hardy perennial with tiny flowers, great for pollinators. Thrives in acidic soil. Drought and cold-tolerant.
Minimum: 25+ Seeds
Heather (Calluna vulgaris) is a hardy, low-growing perennial shrub that produces tiny, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, creating a stunning display from late summer to fall. This cold and drought-tolerant plant thrives in acidic soil and is a favorite for wildlife gardens, rock gardens, and ground cover. Heather attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any eco-friendly landscape.
Why Grow Heather?
🌿 Evergreen Foliage – Offers year-round interest with changing hues.
🌸 Profuse Blooms – Dense clusters of tiny flowers in pink, purple, or white.
🐝 Pollinator Magnet – A favorite nectar source for bees and butterflies.
❄️ Cold-Hardy & Drought-Tolerant – Thrives in poor, dry, and sandy soils.
🏡 Perfect for Landscaping – Ideal for rock gardens, borders, and ground cover.
Planting & Care Instructions
- Botanical Name: Calluna vulgaris
- Common Name: Heather, Scotch Heather
- Plant Type: Perennial, Evergreen Shrub
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Spread: 18-24 inches
- Days to Germination: 14-30 days
- Light Requirements: Full Sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight)
- Soil Preference: Well-draining, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0)
- Watering Needs: Low to Moderate – Drought-tolerant once established.
- Temperature & Hardiness: Cold-hardy in Zones 4-8.
How to Grow Heather from Seed
- Cold Stratification Recommended – Store seeds in a moist paper towel in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting.
- Surface Sow Seeds – Lightly press seeds into well-draining acidic soil without covering them. Heather seeds require light to germinate.
- Keep Moist & Warm – Maintain temperatures around 60-70°F until germination.
- Transplant Seedlings – Once plants have 2-3 true leaves, space 12-18 inches apart in a permanent location.
- Mulch Around Plants – Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Where to Grow Heather
🏡 Rock Gardens & Borders – Adds year-round texture and color.
🌿 Ground Cover – Spreads to create a low-maintenance, dense mat.
🐝 Pollinator Gardens – Supports bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
❄️ Cold & Coastal Gardens – Thrives in harsh conditions with minimal care.
Continuous Blooms & Care Tips
🌾 Prune Lightly After Flowering – Encourages a compact shape and fresh growth.
☀️ Full Sun Required – More sun leads to better flowering and vibrant foliage.
💦 Avoid Overwatering – Prefers dry, well-drained soil over soggy conditions.
🌱 Acidic Soil is Key – If your soil is too alkaline, amend with peat moss or sulfur.
Companion Planting & Garden Benefits
- Pairs well with rhododendrons, blueberries, and azaleas, which also prefer acidic soil.
- Great for erosion control on slopes and sandy soils.
- Provides year-round garden interest, even in winter months.
Transform Your Garden with Hardy Heather!
With its pollinator-friendly blooms, evergreen foliage, and rugged durability, Heather is an excellent choice for natural landscapes, rock gardens, and low-maintenance gardens.