Heather / Heath
Best varieties: Calluna vulgaris (summer/fall), Erica carnea (winter bloom), Erica x darleyensis (winter/spring)
Easy
Perennial
❄️ Frost Hardy
🐾 Pet Safe
🌲 PNW Growing Notes
Evergreen groundcover that blooms when little else does—winter-blooming varieties are especially valuable in Seattle. Thrives in our acidic soil and mild winters.
☀️ Light
Full sun to part shade
💧 Water
Low once established—good drainage essential
🪨 Soil
Acidic (pH 4.5–5.5), well-drained, lean
📏 Spacing
18" apart
📅 Planting Timeline (Seattle)
🪴
Transplant Outdoors
Spring or fall
🌸
Bloom Season
Nov–Apr (winter types) or Jul–Sep (summer types)
💡 Pro Tip
Shear after blooming to keep compact. Mix winter-blooming Erica with summer-blooming Calluna for year-round color.
🤝 Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
Rhododendrons, Blueberries, Conifers