The common heather is native to almost all of Europe and is the only species representing the genus Calluna. Most often it grows in dense density in luminous pine forests, forming heathers.The shrubs enchant with their scent, color of flowers and the fact that they attract numerous insects: bees, bumblebees and colorful butterflies.
'Allegro' is a slow-growing, always green, richly branched shrub with thin, hard shoots and an erect habit.It grows up to 30-40 cm in height and similar width. A characteristic feature of the variety is the exceptionally intense color of the inflorescences.
In older specimens, shoots slightly overlap and take root over time. In this way, green pillows are created that cover the ground, while the plant habit remains raised and compact.
The leaves, similarly to the species, are miniature, scaly, only 1-2 mm long, very densely, tiled on twigs.In August, numerous purple flower buds appear on one-year-old shoots, gathered in abundant, narrow, erect inflorescences.
The first buds bloom at the bottom of the shoot. After unfolding, the flowers are single, red-purple, in shape resemble bells with a delicate parchment texture. Flowering usually lasts until the end of September.
The shrubs grow well in average, nutrient-poor, permeable and acidic soils (pH 4-5.5).They like sunny places, but sheltered from the wind. They grow poorly on heavy, too moist soils, they do not like intensive irrigation.
Too frequent and abundant watering may lead to the appearance of diseases (phytophthora) and, consequently, to the death of plants.Heathers should be properly watered regularly only in the first season after planting, later irrigation may be limited only to periods of drought.
Moor step by step
When planting, it is good to mulch the soil with composted pine bark.This treatment brings many benefits to plants, incl. reduces weed infestation, maintains constant substrate moisture, increases the biological activity of beneficial soil microorganisms.
Heathers, including the 'Allegro' variety, are frost-resistant, but in snow-free winters, in sunny and windy weather, they may freeze partially, so it is worth protecting them slightly for winter with spruce or pine branches.
