Calluna vulgaris 'Red Fred'
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SCOTCH HEATHER
syn. Erica vulgaris 'Red Fred'
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: kah-LOO-nah vul-GAH-ris
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
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Mature size: Height: 14 inches (35 cm). Width: 18 inches (45 cm).
Flowering period: August to September.
Flowering attributes: Lilac-pink, bell-shaped flowers on long racemes.
Leaf attributes: Leaves are 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, dark green and scale-like. New growth is brilliant red.
Growth habit: Mounding.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Humous rich, well-drained soil with ph on the acidic side.
Feeding: Side dress with a complete organic fertilizer in spring. Do not feed excessively, keep on the lean side.
Propagation Methods: Semi-ripe cuttings in mid-summer. | Layer in spring.
Pruning Methods: It’s important to prune in spring to keep the plant from becoming straggly. Don’t cut into woody barren areas of the branch, cut where there are leaves. A light shearing every year will keep it in good shape. I normally cut just below the spent flower.
Rainy Side Notes
Calluna 'Red Fred' received its name when it was found growing close to C. 'Fred J. Chapple' with its new growth redder then the latter Fred. Sounds like a Dr. Seuss story to me. Three of these small shrubs light up my garden in spring with their brilliant red foliage. Later it disappears into the landscape as green, until it begins to flower in August and September.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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