Variegated-leaved Heathers

The variegated heathers are evergreen shrubs adorned with cream, yellow or pink young shoots. Their fine foliage remains decorative all year round in rockeries, borders and containers. 

The Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Cream' bears creamy white shoots in spring, followed by yellow tips in autumn and winter; its white flowers appear from August to October. Among the other well-known variegated cultivars, 'Harlekin' stands out with green-yellow foliage speckled with bright yellow all year round. 'Helen Gill' combines grey-green foliage with cream tips in spring and early summer. In 'Spider', the green branches end in creamy white in winter, with a stronger contrast in spring. 

To add height to a bed, place a few tree heaths behind these small evergreen cushions. If your soil is neutral or slightly lime-rich, choose instead from the lime-tolerant heathers. If you would like to decorate your patio or balcony, you will find some inspiration in "5 heathers in pots: my little collection" .