In early spring vibrant yellow-green foliage emerges followed by tiny orange-red flower buds in June. As the mauve flowers awaken from their buds in August, the overall visual effect is a rainbow tie-dye. Blooms linger into October, and maybe longer. Salmon-red foliage turns dark brick-red in late fall through winter. So far, this is among our top favorites. Upright habit. Z4. BACK! (4" pots)
Items from our perennial plants warehouse ordered
on or before March 7 will ship around March 31
through late April, starting with warmer areas and finishing in
colder areas. Orders placed after March 7 will
ship around late April through early-to-mid May, in the order in
which they were received.
ships in spring
7587
‘Firefly’
Additional Information
Heather and Heath
Heather Calluna vulgaris
Magical, mythical and medicinal evergreen groundcover features a spread of flowers and foliage that change color throughout the season. Revered in the British Isles, important medicinally in teas, honey, liniments and ointments. First fermented a few thousand years ago, used in gruit, ale, and might be the original ingredient for the first whiskey. Branches used in thatching, bedding, basketry, rope and broom-making. Flowers attract bees, butterflies and moths, especially when planted in masses. Recommended for rock gardens and pathways—or for opening the portals to the fairy world.
Shear every April for best bloom. Species native to the dry forests, heaths and bare grounds of Britain and Ireland. More recently naturalized in North America.
Heath Erica carnea
Foliage is more ferny and wispier than heathers and can be many shades of green through the season. Mounded mat-like growth habit sprawls and crawls
Growing Heather and Heath
Soil: Requires acidic well-drained soil.
Sun: Full sun to part shade. Sun and wind intensify their colors.
Spacing: Plant 18" apart. They’ll spread.
Planting: We recommend pine needles or softwood chips as an acidic year-round mulch.
Shearing Heathers: Heathers should be sheared every April for best bloom. Without annual shearing, they’ll become woody and bare in just a few years. With pruners or shears, roughly cut the stems below where they flowered the previous season, leaving a few inches of foliage. It should look like a little mound with a haircut. Next thing you know, bright new growth will start emerging.
Shearing not only makes the plants look better but also makes them stronger and more resistant to fungal problems. If you’re not up for shearing, heathers might not be for you.
Pruning Ericas: Lightly prune spent flower tips in spring after blooming. These don’t require shearing like heathers.
