Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Calluna vulgaris 'Firefly'
Firefly Heather
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 18 to 20 inches
- Width
- 18 to 20 inches
- Flower color
- Bright purple-pink
- Foliage color
- Bright chartreuse and primrose yellow in spring, transitioning to brilliant shades of orange and red in early fall
- Bloom time
- Late summer
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Average
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
About this plant
Calluna vulgaris 'Firefly' is a compact cultivar of the heather plant, known for its bright and vibrant foliage. The plant features small, needle-like leaves that shift from a rich green to hues of golden yellow during the warmer months, often turning to a deep red during the fall and winter. This seasonal color change adds visual interest throughout the year. 'Firefly' blooms in late summer to early fall, producing small, pinkish-purple flowers that cover the plant in delicate clusters, enhancing its ornamental appeal.
Native to Europe, this cultivar is particularly popular for its low-growing, dense habit, making it a great choice for ground cover or adding vibrant color to borders and containers. The plant's long blooming period and consistent foliage color make it a valuable addition to both formal and informal garden settings.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Containers · Borders · Rock Gardens
Companion plants
Blue fescues · Dwarf conifers · Sedums · Rockrose · Lavender · Creeping thymes
Design tip
Echo this heather's changing foliage by repeating warm-toned plants nearby that reach their peak in different seasons. The layered progression of gold, orange, red, and purple creates a landscape that evolves continuously rather than relying on a single moment of color.
