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Calluna vulgaris 'Gold Kup'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

heather 'Gold Kup'

A slow-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub to 15cm high, with small, scale-like leaves that are tinted orange in summer, and turn salmon-pink in autumn with reddish brown tips. Spikes of small, pale lavender flowers are produced in late summer and early autumn

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Orange
Summer Purple Green Orange
Autumn Purple Green Red Pink Brown
Winter Green Red Pink Brown
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 well-drained, acidic soil in full sun. See Hardy heathers for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer, or by layering in spring

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

Pruning group 10, in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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

Get involved

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