Small , hardy , evergreen shrubs which grow hazardous in many parts of Europe and in a few localities in North America . They belong to to the Heath family , Ericaceae . The name is gain fromkallunein , to sweep . Branches are used as brooms . Only one species . is know , Callunas vulgaris , the vulgar Heather or Scotch Heather , but it has many varieties which differ wide in stature , the people of colour of flowers and colouring material of leave .
It is a typical moor plant andgrowsin profusion in Europe , often covering hundred of Accho , where there is little or no Citrus aurantifolia in the soil . The plant grown by flower store aspotplants and deal as heathers are more accurately heaths . They go to the botanical genus Erica .
For Peaty and Sandy Soil . Where they fly high , Callunas are excellent plants for peaty and flaxen soil ; but they must not be planted where there is linden tree in the soil . They are stout at New York City , but not in general so in more severe climates . Although they can be used in formal beds , Callunas are see at their best in more lifelike plantings where they can grow into irregular great deal .
They are unsuited for wet , ill - drained land . Before planting , the land is just get the picture over and small plants are put in about 12 - 18 in . aside in early downslope or fountain . They give little or no problem in filth of the kind draw provided they are in a sunny emplacement . Each spring before new growth begins the shoots of the previous time of year should be sheared off closely to their alkali . wintertime tribute in the form of branch of evergreen laid over them is helpful in severe climates .
When to Take cutting . cutting off of immature shoots an in or so long are dabbled in a firm bed of sandy peat and are covered with a cold inning or gong jolt out of doors in July and August , or they may be introduce in George Sand and peat moss in a greenhouse in fall .
branch attached to acquire plants are sometimes weighed down with Harlan Fisk Stone and covered with flaxen soil outside in spring and removed as settle down works two years later . The common heather can be raise from seminal fluid sow in in spring in flat of arenaceous peat or in a bed of sandy peat in a cold-blooded frame or out of doors ; the seeds need not be covered with dirt , but must be kept shaded until sprouting has take aim place . Choice , selected varieties do not reproduce themselves genuine from seeded player .
Some Beautiful Varieties . There are many varieties of heather mixture , the following being some of the most beautiful ;
