Description

Suggested Uses

• Fall & winter containers
• Rock and alpine gardens
• Heather/heath borders
• Mass planting & low edging
• Pollinator support (late season)
• Coastal & sandy soils
• With dwarf conifers & grasses
• Acid‑loving plantings

Plant Details

• Botanical NameCalluna vulgaris "Skyline Trio" (Calluna Heather)
• Common Name"Skyline Trio" heather; Scotch heather
• Size & Growth10–16 in tall × 12–18 in wide (25–40 × 30–45 cm); upright‑mounded habit, dense branching
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 4–7; performs best in cool to mild summers (may struggle in hot, humid summers)
• Foliage TypeEvergreen, minute scale‑like leaves; seasonal color shifts to bronze/copper in cold weather are common
• Bloom TimeLate summer to fall (approx. August–October); buds often hold color well into early winter
• Growth RateModerate; 3–6 in (7–15 cm) per year under good conditions
• Light RequirementsFull sun (6+ hrs) for best color and bloom; light afternoon shade in hot climates
• Attracts PollinatorsYes — valuable late‑season forage for bees and other pollinators
• Indoor FriendlyNot recommended as a houseplant; best grown outdoors (short‑term indoor display only)
• Container FriendlyExcellent in containers with acidic, free‑draining media and regular moisture
• Deer ResistantGenerally deer resistant due to aromatic foliage
• Pet WarningNon‑toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion of large amounts may cause mild GI upset — discourage nibbling
• FragrantSubtle; flowers lightly scented, foliage faintly resinous when brushed
• Cut FlowerGood for fresh and especially dried arrangements; harvest just as buds show color
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Erica carnea/×darleyensis, dwarf conifers (Pinus, Picea), Gaultheria procumbens, Vaccinium, Festuca glauca, heaths & other heathers

Note: "Skyline Trio" denotes a coordinated mix of compact Calluna selections; exact colors and height may vary slightly by batch and season.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Space 12–18 in (30–45 cm). Loosen roots, set crown level to slightly above soil line, and mulch with pine bark or needles; ensure excellent drainage (raised bed or berm if heavy soil).
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first growing season; afterward, water when top 1 in (2–3 cm) is dry. Avoid waterlogging — roots resent “wet feet.”
• Soil TypeAcidic (pH 4.5–6.0), sandy or peaty, well‑drained mix. Amend with ericaceous compost, fine bark, and/or coarse sand. Avoid lime and hard irrigation water.
• HumidityPrefers cool, low‑to‑moderate humidity with good air movement. In hot/humid regions, provide morning sun, afternoon shade, and impeccable drainage.
• Pruning InstructionsShear lightly after flowering (or late winter before new growth) to remove spent spikes and tip growth. Do not cut into old, leafless wood. Light annual shearing keeps plants compact.
• Winter CareMulch 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) to buffer root temperature and moisture. Protect from drying winds in exposed sites. Overwinter containers in a sheltered, unheated but frost‑free spot if possible.
• Planting DepthSet at the same depth as in the pot; crown at or just above the surrounding soil. Do not bury stems.
• FertilizationLight feeder. In early spring, apply a modest dose of slow‑release, acid‑forming fertilizer (azalea/camellia type) at half rate. Avoid lime and high‑phosphorus products.
• Special CareUse rain/filtered water where tap water is alkaline. Repot container plants every 2–3 years into fresh ericaceous mix. Monitor for vine weevil in containers and ensure constant drainage.

Tip: Consistent acidity and sharp drainage are the two biggest keys to success with Calluna.