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Calluna vulgaris 'Elsie Purnell' (d)
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

heather 'Elsie Purnell'

A compact evergreen shrub of spreading habit, with dark grey-green foliage and double, pale rose-pink flowers in long spikes, from darker buds

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Pink Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Calluna are low-growing or dwarf evergreen shrubs with stems clothed in tiny overlapping leaves, and terminal, spike-like racemes of small, 4-petalled flowers with coloured calyces

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained acidic soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Pruning group 10

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and other fungal diseases

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