What soil does Heather grow in?

It tolerates these soils: acidic, sandy.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Heather flower?

Flowering: July–October, pink, purple, red, white.

How much water does Heather need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Heather cost?

It sells for roughly €5.20 to €9.10 in local shops, depending on size.

Heather

Calluna vulgaris

Heather (Calluna vulgaris) is a ground cover plant. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €5.20.

Illustration of Heather — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low evergreen dwarf shrub with tiny scale-like leaves that covers itself in pink, purple, red or white flower spikes from late summer into autumn; there are hundreds of cultivars, some with yellow, orange or greyish foliage. The bud-blooming forms sold in pots in autumn never open their buds, so they stay colourful for weeks longer, but they offer nothing to bees. It only survives in acidic, poor, well-drained yet constantly moist soil in sun: in limy garden soil it yellows and dies within months, so there you need a peat-based acidic bed or a container, and soft water. Trim the spent shoots back to the leafy part after flowering or in early spring, otherwise the plant goes bare and leggy.

Watch out for

In most gardens in Central Europe the limy, heavy soil and hard tap water make it yellow and die quickly unless it is planted in an acidic medium. It copes badly with hot, dry summers: once dried out it does not resprout, while in permanently wet, airless soil stem and root rot kill it. In windy, sunny winter weather without snow cover the foliage can brown. Spider mites and scale insects occur. Potted plants bought for autumn decoration usually last a single season unless they are moved into suitable soil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 40 cm × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–October, pink, purple, red, white

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	40 cm × 50 cm
Ultimate size	10–60 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Acidic, Sandy
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	July–October, pink, purple, red, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €5.20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-20 cm	approx. €5.20
size not stated	approx. €6.20 – €9.10

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Evergreen plants Plants for containers

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Heather vs Evergreen candytuft Heather vs Winter heath

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