‘Blazeaway’ heather (Calluna vulgaris ‘Blazeaway’) is a distinctive groundcover known for its year-round color. This evergreen shrub offers a unique visual appeal, transforming through the seasons with vibrant foliage hues. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for continuous garden interest.
Understanding Blazeaway Heather
‘Blazeaway’ heather is celebrated for its dynamic foliage and seasonal transformations. In spring, its narrow leaves emerge with green, salmon, and bronze tones, transitioning to bright gold and orange in summer. As cooler weather arrives in autumn and persists through winter, the foliage intensifies into fiery red and crimson hues. This cultivar also produces delicate lavender-pink, urn-shaped flowers from mid-summer into early fall. It forms a dense, mat-forming, semi-woody shrub, reaching 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.
Planting and Establishing Blazeaway Heather
Successful establishment begins with proper site selection and soil preparation. It thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours daily for intense foliage colors. Good air circulation is also beneficial. ‘Blazeaway’ heather requires acidic, well-draining soil, ideally with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. If soil is heavy clay or lacks acidity, amend it with organic matter like peat moss, pine bark fines, or compost to improve drainage and lower pH.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Space plants 21 to 24 inches apart for mature spread. After placing the plant, backfill with amended soil, firming it around the roots to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil and establish the root system.
Caring for Blazeaway Heather
Ongoing care focuses on consistent moisture, appropriate fertilization, and timely pruning to maintain health and vibrant appearance. While established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, consistent moisture is important, especially during dry periods, without waterlogging the soil. Proper drainage is important to prevent root issues. Fertilization is generally light, as too much can be detrimental. If needed, apply a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants, like those used for rhododendrons or azaleas, in early spring according to product instructions.
Pruning should be done lightly in early spring, after the last winter frost and before new growth, or immediately after flowering in late summer to early autumn. This helps maintain a compact shape and encourages dense, colorful foliage; avoid cutting into old, woody stems, as they may not regenerate. In colder climates (USDA Zones 4-5), mulch around the base can provide winter protection.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with proper care, ‘Blazeaway’ heather can encounter issues, often related to environmental factors. If foliage browns, it could indicate insufficient or excessive watering, as both can stress the plant. Poor drainage leading to waterlogged soil is a common cause of root rot, manifesting as browning. Ensuring consistent, yet well-drained, moisture is important. A lack of vibrant color, particularly red and orange hues, often points to insufficient sunlight. It needs full sun exposure to develop its best coloration. While generally robust, they can be susceptible to pests like spider mites in dry conditions or fungal diseases such as root rot in overly wet environments. Maintaining appropriate cultural practices, including correct watering and good air circulation, is the most effective way to prevent these problems.