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How to Prune a Scotch Heather
How to Prune a Scotch Heather. Scotch Heather, known botanically as Calluna vulgaris, is a species of flowering evergreen ground cover and subshrub native to Europe and commonly seen on the moors and heaths in Scotland. The plant flowers beginning in the later summer and early autumn in a range of colors dependent upon which of the 1,000 known...
Scotch Heather, known botanically as Calluna vulgaris, is a species of flowering evergreen ground cover and subshrub native to Europe and commonly seen on the moors and heaths in Scotland. The plant flowers beginning in the later summer and early autumn in a range of colors dependent upon which of the 1,000 known cultivars you have. The blossoms can range from crimson to pale pink to lavender to white and all bloom over small leaves of a mid-green hue. Pruning can help to control the spread of the plant and to rejuvenate bare interiors, but pruning maintenance is not onerous.
Things You'll Need
Secateurs
Pruning shears
Prune your Scottish Heather, when needed, in the later winter or early spring well after flowering has faded but before new growth is visible.
Trim out any dead, broken or diseased stems down to the crown of the plant along with any stems that mar the appearance of the plant.
Reduce the height and spread of the plant in the garden by cutting back the terminal tips of the branches as desired, following the natural form of the canopy.
Rejuvenate partially defoliated, blown-out or badly misshapen and overgrown plants by shearing the offending stems down to the crown of the plant. This will tidy up the plant and spur new shoots to replace those that are lost. The new growth will restore the natural form and density of the plant.
Tips & Warnings
Carefully collect all of the cuttings to make way for new shoots and prevent disease as the cuttings decay.
