Calluna vulgaris 'Firefly'
Heather
Evergreen Groundcover, Shrub
Outstanding Qualities
One of the most colorful heathers you can plant, ‘Firefly’ has foliage that changes through the seasons. In summer the foliage is a bright mix of
lime, chartreuse, and primrose yellow highlighted in late summer with spires of bright purple-pink flowers. In early autumn intense orange and terracotta
tones slowly work their way down the stems deepening in color until late fall and early winter when the entire plant becomes a shocking, vibrant brick-red.
Culture Notes
Heather grows best in a full sun location where its foliage color is richest and the flowers most abundant. Plant it in rich well-drained soil with
regular summer watering. Older established plants can tolerate occasional summer watering during dry weather. Lightly shear every year in early spring
as new growth starts to keep this low shrub compact and at its best.
—Courtesy Great Plant Picks
Growing Conditions
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8
Water Needs:
Average, Regular / Even
Description
Size: 18 - 24 tall x 18 - 24 wide
Shape / Form:
Compact,
Irregular,
Low and Spreading
Foliage Texture:
Fine
Foliage Quality:
Fine
Features: Attracts Bees, Dwarf / Compact Plant, Attractive Foliage, Fall Color, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest
Foliage Color:
Chartreuse / Lime
Fall Color:
Red Orange
Flower Color:
Magenta / Deep Pink,
Pink
Bloom Season:
Jul,
Aug,
Summer
Uses and Applications
Landscape Uses:
Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Small Gardens
Special Situations:
Courtyard / Urban Garden
Wildlife:
Bees
More Design Considerations
Season of Interest:
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role:
front of border, ground hugger
Collections:
eGardenGo Favorite, Great Plant Pick, Plants That Earn Their Keep
Care and Maintenance
Maintenance Level:
medium
Maintenance Tasks:
Prune annually
Plant Combos
-
Bright and Colorful Shrub Border Summer Blooms within Foliage Frame
Focus: Hellstrip / Parking Strip, Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Curb Appeal
view combo
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8 -
Foliage-driven Plant Combination Enhanced by Flowers and Fragrance
Focus: Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Curb Appeal, Year-round Interest
view combo
Exposure: Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun
Zone: 7, 8 -
Ground-covering Foliage in Contrasting Texture and Color
Focus: Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Curb Appeal, Year-round Interest, Small Space, Efficient Use of Space
view combo
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8