Calluna vulgaris 'Robert Chapman'
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SCOTCH HEATHER
syn. Erica vulgaris 'Robert Chapman'
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: kah-LOO-nah vul-GAH-ris
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1A, 2-6, 15-17.
USDA: zones 5-8.
Heat zones: 7-5.
Mature size:
Height: 10 inches (25 cm).
Width: 26 inches (65 cm).
Flowering period:
August to September.
Flowering attributes:
Lavender, urn-shaped flowers on long racemes.
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Leaf attributes: Leaves are 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, a golden color and scale-like. In winter the foliage turns red, making this a great choice for brightening the winter garden.
Growth habit: Mounding.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Humous rich, well-drained soil with ph on the acidic side.
Fertilizing: Side dress with a complete organic fertilizer in spring. Do not fertilize 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 early 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.
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Rainy Side Notes
Calluna 'Robert Chapman' has some of the brightest foliage around. If you want color in the winter garden, this will definitely be the ticket for it. In fact, ‘Robert Chapman’s bright foliage is a knockout all year round. In spring, the foliage colors up in fine golden yellows, and then the plant turns orange for summer and fall. For the grand finale in winter, the foliage turns bright red. A tapestry of different heathers is breathtaking as evergreen ground covers. However, heather for year round interest should include this cultivar.
The Royal Horticultural Society gave ‘Robert Chapman' an Award of Merit as well as an Award of Garden Merit.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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