Calluna vulg. 'Garden Girls'® lilac/purple

Key Features of Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® Lilac/Purple:

• Height: 20-40 cm (8-16 inches)
• Spread: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)
• Flower Color: Lilac to purple
• Foliage: Green foliage turning bronze in winter
• Flowering Season: Late summer to autumn
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Acidic, well-drained soil

Growing Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® Lilac/Purple in Your Garden

This heather variety is an excellent option for low-maintenance gardening. Whether you're looking to add splashes of color to your borders, containers, or create a carpet of blooms in your garden beds, Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® is highly versatile and hardy.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Light: Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For best flowering results, plant in a sunny location.
• Soil: These plants thrive in acidic, well-drained soil. A pH of 4.5 to 5.5 is ideal. To improve soil acidity, consider incorporating ericaceous compost when planting.
• Watering: Heather likes to be kept moist, especially during the first year of establishment. However, avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant.
• Temperature and Hardiness: Calluna vulgaris is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). It is well-suited to most UK gardens, even those with harsh winters.

Planting Tips for Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® Lilac/Purple

Planting Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® lilac/purple is straightforward. Here’s how you can ensure a healthy, vibrant display:

• Planting Time: The best time to plant Calluna vulgaris is in early spring or autumn, but container-grown plants can be planted throughout the year.
• Spacing: Space plants 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) apart to give them room to spread and grow, creating a lush ground cover.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as they were in the pot, with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of ericaceous mulch (pine bark or composted leaves) around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and maintain soil acidity.

Maintenance Tips for Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® Lilac/Purple

Although Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® lilac/purple is relatively low-maintenance, following a few simple care guidelines will ensure your heather remains healthy and vibrant throughout the year.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first year to help the plant establish deep roots. Afterward, water when the soil feels dry to the touch, especially in dry, hot periods. Be cautious not to overwater, as it prefers well-drained soil.

Pruning

• Prune after flowering: To maintain a neat, compact shape and encourage new growth, prune your heather lightly after it has finished flowering in late autumn. Use sharp shears to trim back the faded flowers, cutting just above the foliage to avoid cutting into old wood, as Calluna does not regenerate from old stems.

Fertilizing

• Feed annually: Calluna vulgaris doesn’t require heavy feeding, but a light application of an ericaceous fertilizer in spring will help promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth.

Soil and Mulching

• Maintain soil acidity: Since heather thrives in acidic soil, it’s important to monitor soil pH and amend it with ericaceous compost or sulfur granules if necessary.
• Mulch annually: Apply a fresh layer of acidic mulch (such as pine needles or bark chips) each year to help maintain the right soil conditions and prevent weed growth.

Pest and Disease Management

• Watch out for root rot: Heather can be susceptible to root rot if planted in waterlogged soils. Ensure your soil is well-drained and avoid excessive watering.
• Inspect for pests: Though Calluna is relatively pest-free, it may attract spider mites or aphids during dry weather. If you notice these pests, spray with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Why Choose Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® Lilac/Purple?

• Stunning seasonal color: The vibrant lilac and purple flowers provide a beautiful contrast to the bronze winter foliage, making this heather a standout in any garden.
• Low maintenance: Once established, this hardy plant requires minimal care, making it a perfect choice for gardeners seeking effortless color throughout the seasons.
• Year-round interest: With flowers in the autumn and attractive evergreen foliage that turns bronze in winter, Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® adds year-round interest to your garden.
• Wildlife-friendly: This heather variety is a great source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support local wildlife.

Conclusion

Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® lilac/purple is an excellent addition to any garden, offering vibrant flowers in late summer and autumn, and evergreen foliage for year-round interest. This hardy, low-maintenance shrub is perfect for gardeners looking to add seasonal color to rock gardens, borders, or containers. With proper care, including pruning, watering, and maintaining soil acidity, your Calluna vulgaris will reward you with beautiful blooms and robust health year after year.

Quick Care Summary:

• Height: 20-40 cm (8-16 inches)
• Spread: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Acidic, well-drained soil
• Watering: Regular watering during establishment; avoid waterlogging
• Hardiness: Hardy to -10°C (14°F)
• Maintenance: Low, with pruning after flowering and annual mulching

• Size
  P7

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

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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.
 

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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.
 

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