Calluna vulg. 'Garden Girls'® trio

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Planting Location: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil Type: Requires well-draining, acidic soil for optimal health.
• Soil pH: Best grown in acidic soils with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot to avoid burying the stem.
• Spacing: Allow for about 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) of space between plants for good air circulation.

Watering and Fertilization

• Watering:
  • Water regularly after planting to help the plant establish.
  • Once established, 'Garden Girls'® are relatively drought-tolerant but should be watered during long dry spells.
  • Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
• Mulching: A layer of mulch, such as pine needles or bark, helps to retain moisture and maintain soil acidity.
• Fertilization:
  • Use an ericaceous (acid-loving) plant fertilizer in early spring for the best growth and flowering.
  • Apply fertilizer sparingly to avoid over-fertilization, which can inhibit blooming.

Light and Temperature Requirements

• Light Requirements: Full sun is ideal, but partial shade is acceptable. The plant will bloom best and show the richest colors in full sunlight.
• Temperature: Hardy to USDA zones 4-7. Can tolerate frost and cold conditions but prefers a temperate climate.
• Winter Hardiness: 'Garden Girls'® Trio is frost-tolerant and can survive cold winters with minimal care.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning:
  • Lightly prune after flowering in late fall or early spring to maintain the plant's compact shape.
  • Avoid cutting into old wood, as new growth may not develop from it.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage fresh blooms and keep the plant tidy.
• Maintenance:
  • Very low-maintenance plant. Once established, it requires minimal care beyond occasional pruning and watering.
  • Mulch annually to improve soil quality and retain moisture.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests:
  • Generally pest-free, though aphids or spider mites may occasionally be an issue. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
• Diseases:
  • Root rot can occur if the plant is waterlogged. Ensure proper drainage to prevent this.
  • Fungal diseases may affect the plant in overly humid conditions, so good air circulation is essential.
• Preventative Measures: Ensure good soil drainage, water at the base of the plant, and provide enough spacing for airflow between plants.

Propagation

• Cuttings: Best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in the summer.
• Layering: A simple propagation method where branches are layered under the soil to root.
• Seed: Can be grown from seed, but this is a slower process compared to cuttings or layering.

Companion Planting and Garden Uses

• Companion Plants: Pairs well with other acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, and pieris.
• Garden Uses: Excellent for borders, rock gardens, containers, or as ground cover. Works well with other Calluna varieties for a mix of colors.
• Container Growth: 'Garden Girls'® Trio grows well in containers, making it ideal for patios or small spaces. Use ericaceous compost for container planting.

Winter Care and Overwintering

• Winter Hardiness: Very hardy, with evergreen foliage that provides winter interest.
• Winter Protection: Mulch around the base of the plant in colder climates to protect the roots from frost.

Key Care Points for Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® Trio

• Soil: Requires well-draining, acidic soil for healthy growth and flowering.
• Watering: Water regularly during dry periods, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
• Light: Full sun is best for vibrant blooms and healthy growth, though it can tolerate some light shade.
• Pruning: Light pruning after flowering maintains its shape and encourages new growth.
• Fertilization: Use an acidic fertilizer designed for heathers and other ericaceous plants in the spring.
• Pests/Diseases: Generally pest and disease-free, but ensure proper drainage to avoid fungal issues and root rot.

Conclusion

Calluna vulgaris 'Garden Girls'® Trio is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that provides year-round interest with its colorful blooms and evergreen foliage. With minimal pruning, proper watering, and acidic soil, this heather variety will thrive in your garden or container, adding texture and color to your landscape throughout the year. Its frost tolerance and hardiness make it a versatile and reliable choice for a variety of garden settings.

• Size
  P11

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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