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Calluna vulgaris Alba - Heather

Calluna vulgaris Alba
Heather, Ling, Scottish Heather

5,0/5
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Beautiful young plant, bright colours, planted near two other heathers (Calluna Marlies and Calluna H.E Beale), it completes a lovely little picture.

Claudette, 18/01/2021

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
This flowering heather is distinguished by its evergreen foliage, whose fine texture evolves from green to purple-bronze in autumn. At the end of summer, bell-shaped flowers bloom in brilliant white. It is a magnificent young plant all year round, which over time forms a beautiful ground cover for ericaceous beds.
Flower size
6 cm
Height at maturity
30 cm
Spread at maturity
50 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time August to October
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Description

Calluna vulgaris 'Alba' is a variety of common Heather or White-flowered Heather, in closed bells. It is a floriferous variety, decorative from August to October with its flowering, and all year round with its dark green evergreen foliage. It stands out in flower beds and is particularly interesting in winter. Over time, it forms a pretty ground cover for ericaceous flower beds. Floriferous and extremely hardy, it is perfectly adapted to acidic soils and harsh climates.

 

Calluna vulgaris, the only species in the genus Calluna belonging to the Ericaceous family, constitutes, in its natural environment, the dominant vegetation of barren heathlands in the cold regions of the UK and Northern Europe. 'Alba' is one of its many cultivars. This evergreen shrub forms small, slightly scruffy bushes, 30 cm (11.8 in) tall and 50 cm (19.7 in) wide at a minimum. It has a fairly slow growth. Decorative all year round, it stands out for the changing colouration of its fine, scaly foliage, which is medium green in spring before taking on reddish bronze hues from the first cold weather. Its late flowering takes place from September to November. Its small, closed white bells are densely grouped in upright, compact but flexible spikes. It is a honey plant, used in beekeeping due to the high sugar content of its nectar. Heather honey is characterised by its gelatinous texture and dark colour.

 

'Alba' is used planted in groups with other cultivars (there are countless). For a long winter flowering, one can imitate nature by mixing common heather and bell heather, Erica cinerea and its varieties, changing the colour of the landscapes they form at the time of their flowering. It brightens up rockeries and borders along pathways. It adapts very well to cultivation in pots and in planters where it will form beautiful seasonal compositions. Planted in ericaceous flower beds, it can cover the base of rhododendrons or witch hazels. Create delightful, slightly wild scenes by planting 'Alba' with grasses, ferns, and dwarf conifers at the base of silver birch trees.

 

Calluna vulgaris tolerates moderate grazing. It represents an important source of food for sheep and deer when the vegetation is covered in snow. It is capable of regenerating after fire. In the past, this plant was considered magical and was used in white magic rituals; it was believed to have protective powers in Breton heathlands, where it is said to ward off ghostly spirits. Heather is also an ingredient in gruit, an aromatic composition used in beer brewing before the use of hops in the Middle Ages. Its flowering tops have long been used in herbal medicine, as they are reputed to "dissolve stones in the bladder."

Calluna vulgaris Alba - Heather in pictures

Calluna vulgaris Alba - Heather (Flowering) Flowering
Calluna vulgaris Alba - Heather (Foliage) Foliage
Calluna vulgaris Alba - Heather (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time August to October
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 6 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour medium green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm
Spread at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate slow

Botanical data

Genus

Calluna

Species

vulgaris

Cultivar

Alba

Family

Ericaceae

Other common names

Heather, Ling, Scottish Heather

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference876421

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Planting and care

Heather is a characteristic plant of heathlands, blanket bogs, and pine forests. A covering of shredded bark or turf is useful in the coldest regions. It requires light and sandy soil, without limestone, well-drained and truly acidic, with a pH between 4 and 6 (for example, composed of 1/3 ericaceous soil, 1/3 non-limestone vegetal soil, and 1/3 sand). This variety thrives in sunny or partially shaded exposure. In colder regions, it can be planted in full sun, while in hot climates, a partially shaded exposure is preferable. A well-established plant will tolerate some drought for a short period. It will not survive if planted in heavy and poorly drained soil, as this plant is sensitive to root rot. To maintain a dense and compact habit, the plant can be lightly pruned in late winter or just after flowering, although this is not essential.

 

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Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery, Woodland edge
Type of use Edge of border, Free-standing, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Moist soil, porous, sandy

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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