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Calluna vulgaris 'Alba Rigida'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

heather 'Alba Rigida'

A compact, dwarf, evergreen shrub with stiff shoots forming a neat mound and clothed in tiny, dark green, scale-like leaves. Spikes of small, white, bell-shaped flowers are produced in mid- to late summer

Synonyms
Calluna vulgaris 'Rigida Prostrata'
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–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 full sun in free-draining, acid soil. See Hardy heathers for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Pruning group 10

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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

Get involved

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