Schöne Heide - Calluna vulgaris 'Candlelight'

Add to your underbrush with this shrub plant whose columns of pretty pink flowers bloom in late summer. Fully hardy everywhere in Europe, can survive temperatures below -20°C.

This plant's deep green foliage is reminiscent of the bleakest moors, where it can survive the harshest winters. If you're just beginning, or looking for foolproof outdoor plants, this is the one to pick! Even if you've been gardening for years, a bit of hardwearing heather can't hurt. Providing important late-summer forage from its bright pink flowers, this plant is also beneficial for the wildlife in your garden. Reaching a spread of 60cm and height of 45cm, choose this plant for hardy and beautiful ground cover. For colour, and a bit of greenery to stick around all year, pick this lovely heather.

Scientific Name
Calluna vulgaris 'Dark Star' (common cleaning plant, cultivar: Dark Star)

Common Name
Heather, Common Heather

Origin
Native to Europe, Iceland, the Azores and the Faroe Islands

Pruning Tips
Not necessary; if it's getting a bit unruly, snip back stems that have flowered in spring

Wildlife Value
Provides food for moth caterpillars, especially the True Lover's Knot moth. Also provides nectar for butterflies, important late in the season for many insects. On RHS Plants for Pollinators list

Positioning
Position in full sun; this plant is fine in both exposed and sheltered spots.

Water
This plant likes moist soil but is tolerant of drought, so only needs watering in excessively dry weather.

Soil
Ensure the soil is well-draining, and retains some moisture. Acidic soil works best for heather.

Food
Heather likes rich soil, so make sure they get fresh compost every year. Supplement with a weak fertiliser if necessary, and especially if growing in a container.

Pet-safe
Yes- no toxicity reported, though it's best for the plant and your pets if they don't nibble too much!

Sprouts Top Tips
Heather is great for providing ground cover in your garden. It isn't invasive but will stop unwanted weeds growing through. If you want to keep it looking tidy and not like a weed itself, give it a haircut each spring to keep it smart and get rid of older flower stems. Dividing can be done in spring or autumn. Otherwise this plant will do well left alone!