Calluna vulgaris 'Elsie Purnell' (d)

RHS Plant Profile
heather 'Elsie Purnell'
heather 'Elsie Purnell' RHS 2001
Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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