How to Grow Heather Wickwar Flame
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Heather Wickwar Flame
Calluna vulgaris 'Wickwar Flame'
shrubWickwar Flame is a stunning cultivar of common heather featuring golden-yellow foliage that transitions to brilliant orange-red tones in winter. This compact, evergreen shrub produces attractive purple-pink flowers and provides year-round color interest in gardens. It's particularly valued for its dramatic seasonal foliage changes and low-maintenance growing requirements.
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Example Heather Wickwar Flame timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Heather Wickwar Flame
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Heather Wickwar Flame
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5b-9a; best performance in cooler areas of zone 8 and northward
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Get my Heather Wickwar Flame timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung plant with initial foliage growth; shoots are developing but plant is still compact
Water regularly during first season to establish roots. Avoid transplanting stress. Mulch lightly around base (2-3 inches) with acidic material like composted bark, keeping mulch away from stems.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early fallPlant fills out and develops dense branching; foliage is primarily golden-yellow with hints of orange
Light shaping and deadheading of spent flowers encourages bushier growth. No heavy pruning needed. Foliage color intensifies with full sun exposure.
Flowering
July-October (3-4 months)Purple-pink flowers appear at stem tips; blooms are tubular and prolific against golden-yellow foliage
Deadheading spent flowers extends flowering period and maintains neat appearance. Light feeding with low-nitrogen fertilizer supports blooming.
Fall Color Transition
September-NovemberFoliage dramatically shifts from golden-yellow to brilliant orange-red and deep burgundy tones as temperatures cool
Full sun exposure is critical for optimal color development. Cooler night temperatures (below 50°F) trigger color change. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows.
Winter Dormancy
December-FebruaryPlant maintains deep orange-red to burgundy foliage color; growth pauses but evergreen structure persists
Minimal watering needed. Apply light mulch for frost protection in zone 5b. Avoid pruning during winter dormancy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for brown or bleached foliage. Prune out affected shoots. Spray with insecticidal soap in early spring if severe.
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Remove and destroy infected plants. Sterilize soil if replanting in same location.
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Spray foliage with water to dislodge; maintain humidity. Use miticide if infestation is severe.
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Improve air circulation through light pruning. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply sulfur-based fungicide if necessary.
Uses
Dried Floral Arrangements
CraftWickwar Flame stems with their striking orange-red winter foliage and purple-pink flowers are excellent for dried arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts. The flowers and foliage retain color and texture when dried. [source]
Ornamental Landscape Design
HouseholdThe dramatic seasonal foliage changes and compact growth habit make this heather valuable for foundation plantings, mixed borders, rock gardens, and container gardens. Its year-round interest provides winter color when many plants are dormant. [source]
Pollinator and Bird Support
WildlifeThe abundant purple-pink flowers attract bees and other pollinators during a season when food sources are limited. Dense evergreen growth provides shelter and winter protection for small birds and beneficial insects. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalCommon heather (Calluna vulgaris) has a long history in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly for respiratory and urinary tract support. While Wickwar Flame is primarily ornamental, the species shares these traditional properties. [source]
Heather Honey and Nectar
CulinaryHeather flowers are an important nectar source for honeybees, contributing to distinctive heather honey production in regions where heather is abundant. The flowers themselves are sometimes used as a garnish or in traditional beverages. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Heather Wickwar Flame is ornamental and not harvested for consumption. Cut stems can be harvested for dried floral arrangements from late summer through winter when color is most vibrant. Cut stems early in the morning and dry upside-down in a cool, airy location.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Wickwar Flame is named after Wickwar, a village in Gloucestershire, England, where it was originally discovered as a sport (natural mutation) of common heather.
- 🌱 The foliage color change from golden-yellow to orange-red is triggered by anthocyanin accumulation in the leaves in response to cool temperatures, similar to the mechanism that colors autumn tree leaves.
- 🌱 Heather has been used for thousands of years in Scotland and Northern Europe; it was traditionally used to thatch roofs, stuff mattresses, and produce a durable dye for textiles.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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