Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Winter Chocolate Heather

Calluna Vulgaris 'Winter Chocolate'

Design with this plant

Overview

The Calluna vulgaris 'Winter Chocolate', or Winter Chocolate Heather, is a dynamic shrub boasting foliage that transitions from chocolate-brown in winter to amber with pink tips in spring. Thriving in zones 4-7, it reaches a modest 20 inches in height and spread. Prefers well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. Offers late-summer blooms, ideal for colorful, low-maintenance ground cover or accent planting.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 5–8Type Broadleaf Evergreen, Ground cover, ShrubClimate Alpine, Mediterranean
Winter Chocolate Heather (Calluna Vulgaris 'Winter Chocolate') — Offers late-summer blooms, ideal for colorful, low-maintenance ground cover or accent planting
Winter Chocolate Heather (Calluna Vulgaris 'Winter Chocolate') — Prefers well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to partial shadeWinter Chocolate Heather (Calluna Vulgaris 'Winter Chocolate') — Thriving in zones 4-7, it reaches a modest 20 inches in height and spread

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
5–8

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Broadleaf Evergreen, Ground cover, Shrub
Family
Ericaceae
Climate
Alpine, Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (3)

Winter Chocolate Heather (Calluna Vulgaris 'Winter Chocolate') — Offers late-summer blooms, ideal for colorful, low-maintenance ground cover or accent planting
Winter Chocolate Heather (Calluna Vulgaris 'Winter Chocolate') — Prefers well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to partial shade
Winter Chocolate Heather (Calluna Vulgaris 'Winter Chocolate') — Thriving in zones 4-7, it reaches a modest 20 inches in height and spread

Photograph: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Related plants

Aglo Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Aglo') — Growing to a moderate size

Broadleaf Evergreen

Aglo Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Aglo'

FullUSDA 4–7
Alaska Azalea (Azalea 'Alaska') — The Alaska Azalea (Rhododendron 'Alaska') is a hardy deciduous shrub

Shrub

Alaska Azalea

Azalea 'Alaska'

HalfUSDA 9–11
Albert-Elizabeth Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Albert-Elizabeth') — Rhododendron 'Albert-Elizabeth', distinguished by its large magenta flowers, blooms in late

Shrub

Albert-Elizabeth Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Albert-Elizabeth'

FullUSDA 6–10
Anah Kruschke Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke') — making it a substantial addition to garden borders

Shrub

Anah Kruschke Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke'

FullUSDA 6–10
Autumn Amethyst Azalea (Azalea Encore 'Autumn Amethyst®') — The Autumn Amethyst™ Encore® Azalea (Rhododendron 'Conlee') is a versatile evergreen

Shrub

Autumn Amethyst Azalea

Azalea Encore 'Autumn Amethyst®'

FullUSDA 6–10
Autumn Sunset Azalea (Azalea Encore 'Autumn Sunset®') — The Autumn Sunset Azalea (Azalea Encore 'Autumn Sunset®') is a striking, repeat-blooming shrub

Shrub

Autumn Sunset Azalea

Azalea Encore 'Autumn Sunset®'

FullUSDA 6–10