Heather, or ling, is an iconic low-growing evergreen shrub defining vast, rugged landscapes. This hardy plant is synonymous with windswept moorlands, creating immense carpets of purple, pink, and white color. Understanding where heather grows requires exploring its specific geographical range and the unique environmental conditions that allow this resilient species to dominate challenging habitats.
Defining the Plant and Its Native Range
The plant most often called heather is Calluna vulgaris, the sole species in its genus, also known as Scotch heather or ling. It is native to a broad area spanning Western and Northern Europe, extending into parts of Asia Minor and North Africa. Its distribution includes Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Azores, demonstrating tolerance for diverse maritime climates. Calluna vulgaris is the dominant species in much of Europe’s moorland and heathland, forming dense, low-growing shrub communities.
Although introduced globally (including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), its natural concentration remains within European borders. In its native range, heather is adapted to survive severe exposure and is extremely cold-hardy, capable of surviving temperatures below -20°C. Its ability to thrive is directly linked to the specific chemical and physical characteristics of the soil it inhabits.
Essential Habitat Requirements
The survival of Calluna vulgaris is dictated by strict soil chemistry, primarily the need for highly acidic conditions. True heather requires a soil pH of 6.5 or less, ideally ranging between 4.5 and 6.0. This low pH ensures the availability of micronutrients like aluminum and iron, which are essential for nutrient uptake in the Ericaceae family. In alkaline soils, these elements become chemically locked away, causing yellowing foliage and stunted growth.
Heather is also dependent on excellent soil drainage, thriving best in light, sandy, or rocky substrates. This preference prevents waterlogging, which is detrimental to its root system, and is why it is often found on slopes or areas with naturally porous soil. Although the plant prefers full sun for the best growth and flowering, it can tolerate light shade, especially in climates with hotter summers. Its ability to flourish in nutrient-poor ground, combined with tolerance for wind and cold, allows it to successfully out-compete less resilient plants in these harsh environments.
Major Types of Heather and Their Localized Habitats
The term “heather” is often used broadly, but botanically, it refers to three closely related genera: Calluna (true heather), Erica (heath), and Daboecia. Calluna vulgaris is distinguished by its scale-like leaves and flowers from late summer into autumn. This species strictly demands acidic, lime-free soil for survival.
The genus Erica contains thousands of species, with over 700 native to South Africa, significantly extending the global habitat of the broader “heather” family. Unlike Calluna, many Erica species are more adaptable to a wider range of localized micro-climates. For example, winter- and spring-flowering species, such as Erica carnea and Erica × darleyensis, are more tolerant of neutral or slightly alkaline soils, provided the soil is enriched with organic matter. This tolerance allows these varieties to thrive in different soil types than the traditional acidic moorlands associated with Calluna.
Cultivating Heather Outside Its Native Environment
Successful cultivation of heather requires intervention if the native soil is naturally alkaline or heavy clay. Gardeners must first assess the existing soil pH to determine if modification is necessary or if a lime-tolerant Erica species should be chosen. For planting acid-loving Calluna in alkaline ground, the soil must be acidified by incorporating materials such as sulfur, pine bark mulch, or specialized peat-free ericaceous compost.
The physical structure of the soil also needs attention to ensure free-draining conditions. Heavy clay soils should be amended with coarse sand or grit to improve aeration and prevent water retention that can suffocate heather roots. If the existing soil is too alkaline to modify, container planting is an effective alternative, using only ericaceous compost to maintain acidity.
Once established, heather requires minimal feeding, as it is adapted to low-fertility soils. An annual application of ericaceous fertilizer in spring is only necessary if the foliage shows signs of yellowing due to insufficient acidity. Proper pruning is important, typically involving a light trim of spent flower spikes in spring to encourage new growth and maintain a dense, healthy habit.