What: One of the most colorful heathers you can plant, ‘Firefly’ has foliage that changes through the seasons. In summer, the foliage is a bright mix of lime, chartreuse and primrose-yellow highlighted in late summer with spires of bright purple-pink flowers. In early autumn, intense orange and terracotta tones slowly work their way down the stems, deepening in color until late fall and early winter when the entire plant becomes a shocking, vibrant brick-red.
Where: Heather grows best in a full sun location where its foliage color is richest and the flowers most abundant. Plant it in rich, well-drained soil with regular summer watering.
Size: Reaches 1 foot, 6 inches high by 2 feet wide in 10 years.
Care: Older established plants can tolerate occasional summer watering during dry weather. Lightly shear every year in early spring as new growth starts to keep this low shrub compact and at its best.
— greatplantpicks.org
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
