Heather 1 to 22 of 22 total
Heather 1 to 22 of 22 total
Heather
Uses:
- Borders
- Containers
- Mass Planting
Features:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Foliage Interest
- Groundcovers
Sunlight:
- Partial Sun to Full Sun
- At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight
Growing Zones:
- 6-11
- What is My Zone?
Heather shrubs have dense, evergreen foliage and clusters of tiny, bell-shaped flowers in late summer and fall. These low-growing bushes are ideal for rock gardens, borders, and ground covers and can to thrive in poor, acidic soils.
About Heather
Genus
Species
Family
Calluna
Calluna vulgaris, Erica carnea, Erica × darleyensis
Ericaceae
Common Names:
Ling, Scotch Heather, Heath
Native To:
Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 to 8
Flower Color:
Pink, Purple, White, Red (depending on the cultivar)
Flower Bloom Time:
Late Summer to Fall
Growth Habit:
Low-growing, Spreading, Compact
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Tolerates:
Poor soil, Drought (once established)
Resists:
Deer, Erosion
How To Use Heather In The Garden
Heather is a hardy evergreen shrub that stands out for its ability to thrive in poor-quality, acidic soils and coastal areas with salty conditions. It maintains year-round foliage, with leaves that often turn red or orange in the fall. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, heather's resilience and low maintenance make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking continuous color and adaptability.
When planted in sunny, acidic conditions, heather offers long-lasting color and texture on slopes or in well-drained beds. Combine heathers with heaths to extend bloom periods throughout the year and provide an evolving tapestry of subtle foliage tones. Taller cultivars serve as low hedges or feature plantings, while smaller types can spill over borders or soften container arrangements. Use them alongside conifers, dwarf shrubs, or ornamental grasses to create contrast and bring a natural flow to the garden design.
Types of Heather
| Type | Scientific Name | Native Range | Flower | Zones | Uses | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heather (Scotch Heather, Ling) | Calluna vulgaris | Europe, N. Africa, W. Asia | Tiny bell flowers in white, pink, crimson; bud-bloomers & double forms available | 4 – 6 (to 8 with care) | Carpet ground cover, rock & heather gardens, late-season color | 800+ cultivars; dramatic winter foliage tints; drought-tolerant once rooted |
| Spring / Snow Heath | Erica carnea | Alpine & subalpine C. & S. Europe | White, pink, red, magenta bells | 5 – 8 | Winter blooms, edging, rock gardens, slopes | One of few flowering shrubs in snow season; 100+ cultivars; tolerates alkaline soils better than most heathers |
| Hybrid Heath | Erica × darleyensis (E. carnea × E. erigena) |
Garden hybrid; parents from Europe & Ireland | Masses of white, shell-pink to rosy-purple bells | 6 – 8 | Four-season ground cover, containers, pollinator resource | Free-flowering, fast-growing, most forgiving of soils; continuous color Nov–Apr |
Heather Care
Heather plants require acidic, moist but well-drained soil. Plant them in full sun, although afternoon shade can be beneficial in hot climates. Water newly planted heathers consistently, about one inch per week, to establish a strong root system. Incorporate organic compost during planting and top-dress with organic matter each spring.
Prune heather after blooming to maintain a compact, bushy form and encourage new growth; regular trimming prevents legginess, but avoid cutting into bare wood, which can prevent resprouting. In colder regions, protect large plants from snow load by covering them, and insulate roots with pine straw or organic mulch. Move potted heathers to sheltered areas during winter.
Learn More About Heather Care
Heather Companion Plants
Companions need a pH near 4–5, quick drainage, and at least six hours of sun to keep pace with heather’s lean‑soil, full‑light lifestyle. Azalea mirrors the low‑pH requirement and brings a second flush of spring bloom, while dwarf juniper adds year‑round evergreen texture and handles the same dry spells. Alyssum slips in early color before heather’s own show, and coral bells supply low mounds of contrasting foliage that prosper in identical, lightly acidic ground.
