As summer fades and autumn takes hold, gardens often crave fresh bursts of colour and texture. Calluna heathers, with their dense foliage and spires of delicate blooms, step in to transform borders, pots, and containers into vibrant displays. Hardy, reliable, and endlessly versatile, these evergreens shine in autumn and continue offering interest well into winter.
Why Calluna Heathers Deserve a Place in Your Garden
Autumn brilliance
Calluna blooms from late summer through autumn, covering itself in tiny flowers that range from white and soft pinks to purples and deep reds. Their jewel-like tones bring warmth and vibrancy to the fading garden.
Evergreen foliage
Beyond the flowers, Calluna delights with fine-textured foliage that can be green, gold, or bronze, and often takes on rich tints of orange and red in colder weather. This makes them beautiful all year round.
Pollinator-friendly
Bees and other insects adore Calluna, making it a valuable plant for supporting wildlife late in the season.
Types and Varieties
At Radway Bridge Garden Centre, we stock a wide range of Calluna varieties, perfect for pots, containers, and borders. Some feature striking foliage colour changes as temperatures drop, while others are prized for their long-lasting flowers. Planting a mix ensures extended colour and interest from August into late autumn.
Planting & Growing Tips
- When to plant: Autumn is an ideal time, as the soil is still warm, allowing roots to establish before winter.
- : Calluna thrives in borders, rock gardens, pots, and window boxes. Grouping several together creates a carpet of colour that’s especially striking in containers.Where to plant
- : Calluna prefers acidic soil and benefits from ericaceous compost when planted in pots. In neutral or alkaline soils, containers may be the better option.Soil
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. In containers, check regularly as they can dry out quickly.
