Variety traits

Inflorescence of common heather

Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull

The heather inflorescence is a terminal unilateral raceme or a panicle of pseudo-racemose branches, the density of which is a key indicator of ornamental value. Inflorescence characteristics are used for cultivar identification and breeding evaluation.

In the reference 49 varieties crop Common heather, where this is mentioned in the description.

Common heather inflorescences are characterized by their length and flower density. Based on length, inflorescences are classified as short (up to 6 cm), medium (from 6 to 10 cm), and long (more than 10 cm). The species is characterized by a dense four-row arrangement of flowers on the current year's shoots.

In breeding, a group of bud-flowering cultivars is distinguished, whose flowers do not open fully, which increases resistance to weather conditions and extends the ornamental effect. Agrotechnical pruning is carried out by removing spent inflorescences, which stimulates further development of the shrub.

When evaluating varietal qualities, observations of the inflorescences are conducted when one-third of the flowers have opened on half of the plants. Adverse growing conditions, such as shading, lead to smaller, sparse, or absent inflorescences.

General information about the subject — on the page Inflorescence.

Sources8

Varieties of Common heather mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.