Spring Torch Heather

Spring Torch Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Torch')

Spring Torch Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Torch') is a striking evergreen shrub that puts on a multiseason show with its bright spring foliage, vivid summer flowers, and year-round structure. Known for its dramatic color changes, this compact heather adds visual interest from early spring through fall, making it a dynamic choice for borders, rock gardens, and container plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Spring Torch' is named for its colorful spring foliage, which emerges in fiery tones of red and orange before maturing to bright green. In late summer, lavender-pink flowers cover the plant in dense clusters, attracting pollinators and enhancing garden color. Its evergreen needles remain dense and fine-textured, providing a neat, mounding form even in winter months.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, acidic soil; avoid alkaline or compacted soils
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture without soggy roots
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Color-changing foliage and bright blooms provide multi-season interest
• Rock Gardens: Compact habit and drought resistance suit rocky or sloped areas
• Border Edging: Mounded form and shifting colors define garden edges
• Container Gardening: Evergreen form and vibrant hues brighten pots year-round
• Mass Planting: Stunning in large groups for ground cover and visual impact

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during establishment; more tolerant once mature
• Pruning: Lightly shear after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
• Fertilizing: Use an acidic fertilizer in early spring if necessary
• Mulching: Apply mulch to conserve moisture and help maintain soil acidity
• Protection: Best performance in acidic soils with good drainage; avoid winter desiccation in exposed sites

Why Choose Spring Torch Heather?

• Spring Foliage Color: New growth glows with red, orange, and gold tones
• Summer Blooms: Lavender-pink flowers add a second wave of seasonal interest
• Evergreen Form: Holds structure and color through all seasons
• Low Maintenance: Drought tolerant and easy to care for once established
• Focal Point: Multi-season display makes it a standout in small gardens and large plantings

Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Torch' offers exceptional seasonal color and compact evergreen structure, making it a versatile focal point or border accent in acidic, low-maintenance garden designs.