Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Michelle Heather has long-lasting pink flowers that never seem to fade. The upright growth habit of the branches gives Michelle a compact shape that requires little shaping or pruning. Calluna vulgaris ‘Michelle’ will add long-lasting color to a rock garden or mixed seasonal container planting. The fine evergreen foliage is hardy in USDA zones 5-8, although not suited to hot and humid climates of the deep south.
Scotch Heather makes for a durable groundcover that is drought tolerant and dense growing. Pests and diseases are minimal for Michelle. Deer rarely browse on this woody perennial, although beneficial insects are drawn to the late-season flowers. Hummingbirds and butterflies are also attracted to the rich nectar that Scotch Heather produces.
Michelle Scotch Heather Care
Heather prefers acidic soil of 6.0 or lower. Heavy clay soil will need amending to provide adequate drainage for the shallow root systems. Water newly planted Heather well the first season, using ½ -1 inch of water a week to help the roots establish. Heather will thrive in full sun but grows well in part shade, where the foliage may remain a lighter green. Fertilize plants in the late summer before flower buds form. Use a granular, slow-release formulation for acid-loving perennials and shrubs.
Shape the shrubs just after the flowers finish blooming in late winter. Michelle Scotch Heather has a natural mounding shape that is easy to maintain by lightly shearing back green growth, staying away from any woody stems. Keep newly planted heather well weeded for the first 2-3 years until the plants grow large enough to shade out and suppress weeds. Michelle Heather will grow well in a container or as part of a larger seasonal planter mix. Ensure that the container you are using has excellent drainage and that the potting mix is formulated for acid-loving plants.
Michelle Scotch Heather Spacing
Michelle is a smaller-growing Calluna vulgaris. The mature height is 16-20 inches with a spread of 12-18 inches. Space plants 12 inches apart on center when planting in groups. Use at least an 8-inch diameter pot when container growing.
Michelle Scotch Heather Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 6 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 1 Foot
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Pink
- Bloom Time
- Summer to Fall
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Michelle Scotch Heather
- Botanical Name
- Calluna Beauty Ladies 'Michelle'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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