The Cool-Season Flower That Pairs Beautifully With Evergreen Shrubs

Chances are that your yard or garden is decorated with evergreen shrubs such as juniper, geranium, and conifers. While evergreen shrubs and beautiful and timeless on their own, planting them with a companion adds another layer of beauty. Heather (Calluna vulgaris) is a beautiful companion plant option for evergreen shrubs. 

Heather's cool-season blooms in pink and purple, along with the rich greenery of evergreen shrubs, combine to create year-round color interest. While your evergreen shrubs stand tall, heather grows low to the ground, reaching only about 2 feet. This contrast keeps the landscape visually balanced. Not only do they look beautiful together, but heather and evergreen shrubs are also practical companion plants. Heather thrives in acidic, low-quality soils just like many common evergreen shrubs, including juniper. Adding a thriving ground cover plant to your garden also helps choke out weeds, a win-win for all your plants. Heather is hardy in USDA Hardiness zones 4 to 6, making it a perfect flower for colder climates.

The key to growing heather as a companion to evergreen shrubs is to mimic the soil and light needs of both plants. Both plants prefer acidic, well-drained soil. A pH level of less than 6 is ideal. Using pine needles or pine bark as mulch is a good way to increase soil acidity. It will also help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Heather should receive full sun for the best blooms, so don't plant it too far underneath your shrubs. In hotter climates, though, the afternoon shade from your shrubs is beneficial. Heather is also a fairly drought-tolerant plant once it's established. Right after planting, they'll need to stay consistently moist. Once your new plants are established, they'll only need to be watered during dry spells. Plan to prune your new plants after they bloom to keep them healthy and full. With the right care, your heather will bloom in late summer to fall.