- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 12 - 18 Inches
- Mature Spread 12 - 18 Inches
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
Calluna vulgaris Winter Chocolate is a vibrant variety of heather with year-round color that you have to see to believe. In the spring, its long wands are creamy salmon colored. In the summer, the foliage takes on golden and orange tones with pink tips. Lavender blooms cover the tips from late summer until fall. In winter, the foliage turns rich shades of chocolate and bronze. Its fine texture and outstanding color will take center stage in any garden setting.
This evergreen shrub has a mounding, dense habit that reaches 12 – 18 inches tall and 2 – 3 feet wide. This heather is easy to grow as long as its culture requirements are met. It is waterwise once established and is resistant to deer. It is cold hardy to zone 5 and will retain its colorful foliage all winter. The flowers attract bees and butterflies in the summer months. Use it as a vibrant groundcover or plant it in drifts with other heathers to create a colorful tapestry effect.
Winter Chocolate Heather Care
Winter Chocolate thrives in full sun, which will bring out its best colors. It prefers sandy, well-drained soil with an acidic pH. Alkaline soil can cause chlorosis and poor growth; you can amend such soil with sulfur or peat moss to increase the acidity. Winter Chocolate can be planted any time of the year, except during extreme heat or frost. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but never let it sit in standing water. Apply a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect the roots from frost and keep the weeds down.
Lightly shear this shrub after flowering to maintain a full, compact appearance. Avoid cutting into old wood because this will stunt new growth.
Winter Chocolate Heather Spacing
For mass planting, space individual plants approximately 2 feet apart on center and stagger the rows to create a natural appearance.If growing in a container, select a pot that is weather resistant with good drainage. The pot diameter should be at least 20 inches.
Winter Chocolate Heather Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 12 - 18 Inches |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Purple |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Summer |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Variegated |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Winter Chocolate Heather |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: CALLUNA VULGARIS `WINTER CHOCOLATE` |
- SKU:
- 1005297-pc
Container Sizes
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.