Heather and Winter heath are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, pollinator friendly, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Calluna vulgaris 40 cm × 50 cm after 10 years
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;…
Erica carnea 25 cm × 50 cm after 10 years
A low, cushion-forming evergreen dwarf shrub with needle-like leaves that covers itself in pink, white or purple flowers at the end of winter, often…
Heather grows faster than Winter heath.
Heather is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Winter heath.
|
Feature
|
Heather
|
Winter heath
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 40 cm × 50 cm | 25 cm × 50 cm |
| Ultimate size | 10–60 cm × 30–60 cm | 15–30 cm × 30–50 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Acidic, Sandy | Acidic, Sandy, Average garden soil, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | July–October, pink, purple, red, white | January–April, pink, white, purple, red |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 35 cm | 30 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €4.90 | approx. €4.60 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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