Heathers and Heath are great plants to grow. They’re able to add beautiful color to your winter garden. They are easy to grow, provide them with some sun and keep their soil well-drained and you’ll have beautiful color all winter long.
So what is the difference between heathers and heaths? Heathers and Heaths have a lot in common. Their growth habits, color, and maintenance are the same. However, heaths have needle-like leaves and heathers have flat leaves. Generally, heathers also grow taller and wider then heaths. Another difference between Heathers and heath is their winter hardiness, heaths can tolerate the winter months. Some of these pretty plants bloom in the winter through spring while others bloom in the summer and fall.
In this guide, we are covering some of the most popular types of heathers and heaths. We cover their bloom time and some of their growing requirements.
Challenger (Erica carnea)
The Challenger (Erica carnea) is a low-growing shrub that grows best in well-drained soil. This plant requires full sun to part shade. When growing in poorly drained soil the plant may develop root rot, so make sure the plant stays in well-drained-soil.
Scotch Heather Calluna vulgaris ‘Zora’
The Scotch Heather is another easy to grow perennial shrub. This plant requires full sun to partial shade. The Scotch Heather blooms in the summer and produces nectar that attracts bees.
December Red (Erica carnea)
The December Red Winter Heath is an excellent choice to grow in the winter as it will provide gorgeous colors throughout the winter when color is needed most. The easy to grow December Red (Erica carnea) grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. They grow to be 6- 12 inches tall. December Red will bloom early winter to late winter. Grow ib Hardiness zones 5-7.
Foxhollow (Erica carnea)
The Foxhollow produces pink flowers in late winter to early Spring. Grow Foxhollow in full sun to part shade. The plant will grow 6-10 inches tall. A great choice for groundcovers and rock gardens.
Calluna vulgaris ‘Amethyst’
This perennial shrub blooms from August – January. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires moderate watering. It’s also deer resistant which is a plus if you have deer.
Golden Starlet (Erica carnea)
The Golden Starlet Winter Heath is another easy to grow shrub that grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It grows in Hardiness Zones 5-8. And grows to be around 4-6inches in height. A great choice to use as a groundcover.
Ice Princess (Erica carnea)
This is another beautiful shrub that blooms from late winter to spring. Ice Princess is easy to grow. Grow this plant in full sun and Hardiness Zones 5-8. The plant grows 4 – 6 inches in height.
Myretoun Ruby (Erica carnea)
Growing Myretoun Ruby will provide some beautiful colors in the winter months. This shrub will need some full sun and moist, well-drained soil to thrive. They grow to be 6-12 inches tall. And bloom from mid-winter to late spring. If you have deer, you may consider growing Myretoun Ruby since it is deer resistant. This plant also produces nectar that attracts bees to it.
Pink Spangle (Erica carnea)
The Pink Spangle Winter Heath is another beautiful plant that will add color to your winter garden. This perennial shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows to be 6-12 inches tall and produces pretty pink flowers from winter to early spring.
Pirbright Rose (Erica carnea)
Pirbright Rose Winter Heath is a fantastic choice to plant as a groundcover. It produces beautiful pink flowers. It will thrive in full sun and well-drained or sandy soil. Grow in USDA Zones 5 to 8. This plant is deer resistant. The perfect plant for the winter months since it will provide some beautiful colors to your winter garden.
Irish Heath (Daboecia cantabrica)
The Irish Heath is a low growing shrub that is easy to grow. It produces beautiful flowers in pink and purple. It thrives in partial sun to full sun.
Calluna vulgaris ‘H.E. Beale’
This low maintenance plant blooms in late summer and fall. Its drought tolerant and will thrive in moist but well-drained soil. This plant grows to be 12-18 inches in height. A great choice for rock gardens. It’s also deer resistant.
