91µ¼º½

Calluna have white, pink or purple flowers and there is fantastic variation in leaf colour, ranging from golden yellows to burnt orange and reds. Some foliage colours change with the seasons.

Calluna need neutral to acidic growing conditions, which means a soil of pH of 6.5 or less, ideally pH 5.5. They prefer light sandy soil, enriched with organic matter so mulch with leaf mould or composted pine needles.

Calluna dislike alkaline soils, wet soils and shady areas, but tolerate light shade from high-canopied trees. They do not like being pruned too hard into woody stems, so trim off the flowering stems after they bloom each year.

The National Collection of Heathers, (Erica, Calluna and Daboecia) is held at RHS Garden Wisley, showcasing over 1000 cultivars.