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

Suitable Substitutes

Calluna vulgaris 'Robert Chapman' | Robert Chapman heather
Calluna vulgaris 'Winter Chocolate' | Winter Chocolate Heather

Plant Combos