Calluna vulgaris 'Mrs. Ronald Gray'
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SCOTCH HEATHER
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: kah-LOO-nah vul-GAH-ris
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-6, 15-17.
USDA: zones 5-7.
Mature size:
Height: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm).
Flowering period:
August to September.
Flowering attributes:
Reddish purple, tiny bell-shaped flowers on long racemes.
Leaf attributes:
Leaves are 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, dark green and scale-like.
Growth habit:
Prostrate.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Sandy, humus rich soil.
Feeding:
Little to no fertilizing in the maritime Northwest.
Propagation Methods:
Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.
Pruning Methods:
Prune after blooms start to fade.
Rainy Side Notes
Calluna comes from the Latin word,kalluno to cleanse; vulgaris means common.
Calluna ‘Mrs. Ronald Gray’ is a remarkably low growing, handsome heather. I have only one plant growing on top of a rock wall next to heaths and lavenders. It makes a great ground cover, filling in between perennials and small shrubs. As I rewrite this, I am wondering why I have not propagated more of this cultivar for my garden. An interesting, two-inch high shrub, it would make an attractive, evergreen ground cover if planted in the right spot. Well, what are you waiting for?
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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