Calluna v. 'Beauty Ladies'® red P17

Choosing the Right Location and Preparing the Soil

Calluna vulgaris ‘Beauty Ladies’® red is a vibrant heather variety known for its striking red flowers and evergreen foliage. It adds year-round texture and colour to gardens, particularly in rockeries, borders, and containers. To achieve strong, healthy growth and lasting colour, start with suitable conditions and soil preparation.

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for the best flower colour and compact growth. Partial shade is tolerated but may reduce vibrancy.

• Soil Type: Requires acidic, well-drained soil. Avoid alkaline or chalky soils, as these cause yellowing foliage and poor health.

• Soil Preparation: Work in plenty of ericaceous compost or peat-free acid compost before planting. If planting in heavy soil, mix in grit or coarse sand to improve drainage.

• Moisture Needs: Calluna prefers consistently moist but never waterlogged conditions. Proper drainage is vital to prevent root rot.

• Site Selection: Ideal for heather beds, mixed borders, or container arrangements. For natural-looking drifts, plant in groups of three or more.

• Container Growing: Use an ericaceous potting mix with added grit. Ensure pots have drainage holes and raise them slightly off the ground to prevent waterlogging.

Planting Your Calluna v. ‘Beauty Ladies’® Red

Correct planting helps establish a strong root system and ensures long-lasting colour throughout the growing season. Heather is easy to maintain once established but benefits from careful planting technique.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring or early autumn when soil temperatures are moderate. Avoid planting during frost or heatwaves.

• Hole Size: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. The top of the root ball should sit level with the surrounding soil.

• Positioning the Plant: Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen any compacted roots. Place it in the hole so that roots spread outward naturally.

• Backfilling: Refill the hole with the prepared soil mixture, pressing lightly to eliminate air pockets without compacting too firmly.

• Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and hydrate roots. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks while the plant establishes.

• Spacing: Space plants 30–40 cm apart for groundcover or 20–25 cm apart for a denser display.

• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of pine needles, bark, or ericaceous compost around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid piling mulch against stems.

• Container Planting Tips: Plant slightly lower than the rim of the pot to allow for watering space. Water well after planting and maintain consistent moisture.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Once established, Calluna ‘Beauty Ladies’® red requires minimal maintenance but benefits from regular attention to watering, pruning, and feeding. Consistent care ensures continuous colour and a neat appearance year-round.

• Watering Routine: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Container plants dry out faster, so check moisture frequently. Use rainwater when possible, as tap water may be too alkaline.

• Feeding: Apply a slow-release ericaceous fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy foliage and strong flowering. Avoid lime-based products.

• Pruning: After flowering in late autumn or early spring, lightly trim back spent blooms and the top few centimetres of growth. Avoid cutting into old wood, as this can prevent regrowth.

• Weed Control: Keep the planting area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. A layer of mulch helps manage weeds naturally.

• Winter Care: Hardy and evergreen, Calluna withstands frost well. In exposed sites, apply a light mulch to protect roots from severe cold.

• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-resistant, though root rot may occur in poorly drained soils. Maintain airflow and avoid overwatering.

• Rejuvenation: Every few years, consider replacing older plants or taking cuttings to renew the display and maintain density.

• Companion Plants: Combine with other acid-loving species like Erica, Rhododendron, or dwarf conifers for varied colour and texture.

With proper soil, consistent moisture, and gentle pruning, Calluna v. ‘Beauty Ladies’® red rewards with brilliant colour, compact form, and reliable performance throughout the year

• Size
  P17

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

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