Calluna vulgaris Dark Beauty (Heather)

Award-winning Calluna vulgaris ‘Dark Beauty’ (Heather) is one of the darkest flowered Calluna. Its profuse, semi-double, dark cerise flowers, deepening to ruby-red, are on display for many weeks in late summer and early fall (Aug-Oct) and contrast beautifully with the dark green, evergreen foliage

Award-winning Calluna vulgaris 'Dark Beauty' (Heather) is one of the darkest flowered Calluna. Its profuse, semi-double, dark cerise flowers, deepening to ruby-red, are on display for many weeks in late summer and early fall and contrast beautifully with the dark green, evergreen foliage. A sport from Calluna vulgaris 'Darkness', it has a neat compact upright habit.

  • Grows up to 8 in. tall (20 cm) and 14 in. wide (35 cm).
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Performs best in full sun in sandy or gravelly, acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Part shade is welcomed in hot summer areas. Moist and cool climates are preferred. Do not let the soil dry out! Protect your plants from strong winds. Mulch with peat moss.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to rock gardens, slopes, coastal gardens, cottage gardens or containers. Excellent groundcover and perfect for edging! Great for fresh cut flowers or dried arrangements too!
  • Watch for spider mites, oystershell scale or root rot.
  • Callunas need annual pruning or they become straggly. Prune below the flowers on the stems after flowering in fall or early spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 5
– 7

Climate Zones 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Calluna – Heathers, Erica and Calluna
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)Fall
Height 7"
– 8"
(17cm
– 20cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 15″
– 18″
(37cm
– 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden