Strictly speaking, “the” heather does not exist at all, because various heather plants are grouped together under this generic term. The Erika family, which is rich in species and varieties, is also part of it, as is Calluna vulgaris, also known as common heather. Although the closely related species have very similar requirements in terms of location and care, they bloom at completely different times.
When does the heather bloom?
Heather plants bloom at different times: snow or winter heather (Erica carnea) blooms between December and April/May, while summer heather (Calluna vulgaris) blooms from August until autumn.
Late flowering heather plants
Many Erika species only bloom from late winter onwards; This also applies to the snow or winter heather (Erica carnea), which shows its white, pink, purple, red or yellow flowers - depending on the variety - between December and April / May. You can see the sometimes very different flowering times in the table below.
| Erica carnea – variety | Flower color | Flowering time |
|---|---|---|
| Alba | white | February – May |
| Atroruba | red | March – April |
| Challenger | red | January – April |
| December Red | dark pink | December – March |
| Eva | light pink | February – March |
| Golden Starlett | white | March – April |
| Kramer's Whites | white | January – April |
| Isabell | white | February – April |
| March Seedling | pink | February – May |
| Natalie | bright red | February – April |
| Ruby Fire | pink | January – April |
| Winter Beauty | pink red | November – April |
| Winter sun | red | March – April |
Summer-blooming heather plants
The summer heather (Calluna vulgaris), which is important as a pasture for bees and butterflies, blooms from around August until autumn. Their lush blooms can be admired every year in the famous Lüneburg Heath.
Tip
Flowered inflorescences should always be cut back regularly.
