Calluna vulgaris Garden Girls Hilda

Heather, scientifically known as Calluna vulgaris, is a popular plant that adds beauty and charm to any garden. One specific variety that stands out is the Garden Girls Hilda. This particular heather, also known as Scotch Heather, Scots Heather, or Ling, has several unique qualities that make it a sought-after choice among gardeners.

Garden Girls Hilda is known for its exceptional ability to withstand harsh winter conditions. It is classified as excellent for winter hardiness, suitable for USDA zones 1, 2, 3, and 4. This means that even in extremely cold climates, Garden Girls Hilda will thrive and continue to display its vibrant beauty.

When it comes to aesthetics, the flower color of this heather variety is a stunning purple, ranging from medium to dark shades of purple (071B on the color scale). The flowers are generally very small, measuring between 1 and 10 mm in diameter. Despite their small size, they possess a unique beauty that adds elegance to any garden.

The leaves of Garden Girls Hilda are needle-shaped, giving them an interesting and distinctive appearance. They are relatively small, with a size ranging from 0 to 1 cm. The main color of the leaves is a dark green, providing a beautiful contrast to the purple flowers.

Garden Girls Hilda typically grows to a height of 20 to 30 cm, making it suitable for various garden designs and arrangements. It flowers during the months of September, October, and November, providing a burst of color in the late summer and fall seasons when many other plants have stopped blooming.

In terms of soil requirements, Garden Girls Hilda prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. It can also tolerate more acidic conditions with a pH lower than 4.5. It is important to ensure the soil is well-drained, as heather plants do not thrive in waterlogged conditions.

Light conditions play a vital role in the growth and development of Garden Girls Hilda. It requires a sunny location to flourish and produce its vibrant flowers. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for promoting healthy growth and blooming.

Moisture requirements for this heather variety include well-drained soil. It thrives in soil types that are humus-rich, peaty, and sandy. These soil types mimic the plant's natural habitat, providing adequate moisture while allowing excess water to drain away.

As it is an erect-growing variety, Garden Girls Hilda adds structure and vertical interest to garden borders, rockeries, or even containers. Its compact size makes it suitable for small spaces, requiring minimal maintenance.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a winter-hardy, visually appealing, and low-maintenance plant, Calluna vulgaris Garden Girls Hilda is an excellent choice. With its stunning purple flowers, needle-shaped leaves, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, this heather variety is sure to enhance the beauty of any garden.

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