Bloom Blast! December 2, 2010

Calluna 'Wickwar Flame' (Heather)

Heaths and heathers are, for the most part, evergreen sub-shrubs and have many characteristics that make them valuable and versatile garden plants. There are hundreds of varieties available and many ways they can be used in the garden. Flower colors include pink, lavender, white, magenta, amethyst, mauve, and scarlet. Flowering time varies with the species.

But who said flowers are the only color allowed in a garden? The flowers of many cultivars of heaths and heathers are complemented or contrasted with foliage colors of copper, pink, gold, silvery gray and infinite shades of green. Callluna vulgaris 'Wickwar Flame' is an incredible foliage addition to the winter garden. In the summer the mauve flowers contrast against gold foliage, and then in exposed conditions during the winter, the foliage turns superb shades of orange then red, lighting up your garden with a natural holiday glow! Presented with the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, this wonderful plant grows less than 6" high and up to 18" wide, making an excellent ground cover or edging plant.

Visit our online Heaths and Heathers site for more information on growing and caring for these lovely plants, and our photo gallery to see them in bloom.

Other Holiday News:

Festival of Lights at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Join us for this special holiday display! Full Article...

Garden's Store Holiday Sale! Getting your holiday shopping list together? Be sure to visit the Garden's Store! Full Article...

See you at the Gardens!