Calluna vulgaris 'Dark Star'
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil or ericaceous compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to November
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Short spikes of semi-double crimson flowers, highly attractive to bees, appear from July to November and dark green leaves. This compact Scots heather is excellent for sunny areas of the garden with well-drained, acid soil. Planted in bold drifts, the crimson flowers are particularly valuable for accentuating a display of slow-growing, dwarf conifers. Otherwise, heathers look best among their own kind. - Garden care: When planting incorporate lots of composted pine needles or leaf-mould into the planting hole. In March or April cut back the flowered shoots to within 2.5cm (1in) of the old growth.
Calluna vulgaris 'Wickwar Flame'
Scots heather
Mauve-pink flowers and golden autumn foliage
£5.99
1 litre pot
within 2-3 weeks
Erica carnea f. alba 'Whitehall'
winter heath
Masses of white winter flowers
£5.99
1 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby'
winter heath
A useful ground cover
£5.99
1 litre pot
available to order from summer 2013
April pruning of trees, shrubs and
climbers
Many shrubs, trees and climbers are showing signs of growth and so it is an ideal time to check them over for winter damage. If you feel they need a little care and attention, here are a few notes to...
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Only for lime-free soil - but this dark-green neat heather has spikes of deep crimson flowers that glow in low winter light
Val Bourne - Garden Writer