HEATH or HEATHER – Often used interchangeably, these names strictly refer to two distinct, but closely allied genera, namely, Erica (Heath) and Calluna (Heather). Both are members of the Heath Family (Ericaceae, which see), and are frequently confused, though they can be distinguished by flower as well as foliage characters. Heaths have needle-like or very narrow leaves, usually in whorls and spread apart; those of Heathers are shorter, overlapping and scale-like. The flower of the Heather has a colored calyx that is longer than the corolla; also at the base of the calyx are 4 small green bracts that at first glance might be mistaken for the calyx itself.
Both genera require lime-free soil and thrive where there is plenty of leafmold or peat. In general, the Heathers are the hardier, although, as noted below, several species of Erica do well N. if given a sheltered position. Several Ericas are excellent pot plants, holding their flowers well and much grown by florists for Christmas and Easter.
Heaths in pots do best when firmly potted in fibrous peat and coarse sand. To keep them shapely, trim back after flowering. The soft-wooded kinds are easier to grow than the hard-wooded ones, but any of them call for considerable attention.
Heathers should be sheared in spring to keep them compact and well furnished with flowering shoots; rabbits sometimes do all the pruning needed. Plants of both groups are propagated by cuttings of young shoots rooted under glass, and by layers.
Heath (Erica) Species
Erica cornea (Spring Heath) grows about a foot high, with leaves in 4′s and reddish flowers in early spring.
wagons (Cornish Heath) grows to 1 ft. or more, with leaves in 4′s or 5′s and pinkish flowers in summer.
tetralix (Cross-leaved Heath) has grayish leaves in 4′s and rose flowers.
cinera (Twisted Heath) is a twisted and much branched little shrub with leaves in 3′s and rosy-purple flowers.
stricta (Corsican Heath) has stiff branches with leaves in 4′s and is usually more upright. The flowers are rosy-purple.
The foregoing are the hardiest kinds and with the exception of Erica cornea flower in summer. They stand fairly well N. and are well placed in sunny positions in the rock garden or on well-drained slopes. Evergreen boughs placed over them in winter will keep the foliage in good condition. The following kinds thrive only in mild regions or under cool greenhouse conditions:
Erica arborea (Tree Heath) grows to 20 ft. in favored climates. It has leaves in 3′s and bears an abundance of white fragrant flowers in spring. Several forms are grown.
tnediterranea grows to 10 ft., has leaves in 4′s or 5′s and red flowers in spring. Several forms of this are grown in mild regions.
lusitanica (Spanish Heath) grows to 12 ft., with leaves from 3 to 5 in a whorl and pink flowers in early spring.
tnelanthera is a good species to grow in pots for winter bloom. It has leaves in 3′s and bears a profusion of pinkish flowers with conspicuous black anthers.
hyetnalis is a hybrid with leaves in 4′s and rosy-pink flowers, tipped white. It is one of the easiest and most popular for pot culture.
cavendishiana is also a hybrid, with showy yellow flowers almost an inch long.
ventricosa has leaves in 4′s and pink flowers with a swollen tube. There are several good color forms of this beautiful species.
Irish-heath is Daboicia cantabrica. Spike-heath is Bruckenthalia Prickly-heath is Pcrnettya mucronata.
Heather (Calluna) Forms
The different forms of heather have all been derived from one species, Calluna vulgaris. This is native in Europe and Asia, and found in a few localities in the North East part of this country. Heather is hardier than any of the Heaths and well adapted to clothe dry sunny slopes. Kept sheared in spring, the plants make compact clumps, and, by planting several forms together in drifts, very pleasing foliage effects can be secured as well as flower color variations in summer. The type, Calluna vulgaris, grows to 2 ft. or more, and has rosy-pink flowers in late summer. Among the best of the numerous named forms are the following: alba, with white flowers; hammondi, one of the tallest, with bright green leaves and white flowers; searlei, with feathery growth and white flowers, late; alporti, a vigorous grower with crimson flowers; coccinea, a smaller form with deep red flowers; cornea, with pink flowers; hypnoides, with deep pink flowers; cuprea, outstanding with golden leaves which turn bronze in winter; hirsum, forming a spreading grayish mat ; and nana, forming low moss-like tufts of bright green.
Mock-heather is Ericameria ericoides.
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