The Difference between Heath and Heather
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We are often asked "What is the difference between
Heath and Heather ? ".
Our response can be a short one explaining the visual foliage differences, or a
lengthy one giving more descriptive commentary on each Species.
The information below lies somewhere in between the two.
Calluna vulgaris: "Heather" Leaves are
small, scale-like and opposite.
Mostly summer blooming, flowers form along the stems, range in color from
shades of mauve and pink, to white. Some of the flowers are double, and are good for
drying. The great diversity in ever-changing foliage color and habit among cultivars is
intriguing, and you may find yourself turning a lawn area or sunny slope into a heather
garden using Calluna, Erica, and companion plants! Requires acid soil and very good
drainage. Zone 3 (with protection) to 8 10?).
Bruckenthalia spicifolia: "Spike Heath"
Neither a heath or heather but in the Ericacea family and very much welcome in the heather
garden. Foliage resembles an erica with dense, needle shaped foliage. Flowers appear from
pink buds formed on the tips of the stems, starting in May. Very unusual in appearance,
growing to only 6" with a spreading habit. Snip faded flowers, pruning only to shape.
Requires slightly acid soil.
Hardy to Zone 4.
The Ericas...
Erica carnea: "Winter Heath"
Shiny, needle-like foliage along stems. Bell shaped flowers appear along the stems during
the winter months, lasting until spring. Fast growing and spreading in habit, they form
dense, weed- smothering mats of foliage, and bloom when most of the landscape is
hibernating. New spring growth on the tips of stems is often yellow or cream like.
Slightly acid to alkaline soil.
Hardy to Zone 4.
Erica Cinerea: "Bell Heather"
Needle-like foliage on erect stems bearing
very bright, showy bell- shaped flowers from late spring on. Prune hard in
early spring. Nicely shaped and floriferous !! Stands have been found growing
in the wild on Nantucket. Acid, well drained soil. Zone 4 with protection.
Erica X darlyenis: Winter flowering hybrids
parented by Erica erigena and
Erica carnea. Although taller growing than E. carnea cultivars, the hybrids maintain their
habit well and should not require pruning. Heavy flowering starts as early as September
and lasts through May. Tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions. Acid to slightly
alkaline, well drained soil.
Hardy to Zone 4 with protection.
Erica tetralix: "Cross Leaved Heath" Foliage of most cultivars is grayish-green and holds their flowers in pendulous terminal clusters for most of the summer. Neat and compact plants rarely growing more than 10" in height. They prefer cool, moist conditions but do well in the typical sandy, well drained soils that most Callunas and Ericas prefer. Acid soil, Zone 4.
Erica vagans: "Cornish Heath" Glossy green foliage, wide spreading habit. Masses of bell- shaped flowers are born along the stems starting in July and lasting throughout the summer. Prefers an acid soil, Zone 5.
Erica X watsonii: "Watson's Heath". A natural hybrid of E. ciliaris X E. tetralix found in Truro, Cornwall, England. Similar characteristics as E. tetralix but slightly hardier and flowering heavier and longer. Tips of new growth are often brightly colored. Acid, well drained soil. Zone 4.
Erica X williamsii: "Williams'
Heath". A natural hybrid of E. tetralix X E.
vagans also found in Cornwall, England. Bell shaped flowers form on tips of foliage which
is bright yellow or gold in early spring. Blooming until early fall, the cultivars we grow
are vigorous and spreading.Tolerant of most conditions,very hardy to Zone 4.