Calluna vulgaris ‘Kerstin' is a multi-stemmed, dwarf evergreen shrub with a mounded form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition with stems clothed in tiny overlapping grey green leaves and short spikes of mauve flowers in the late summer and autumn. A slow grower, Kerstin Heather will grow to be about 8 inches tall at maturity extending to 12 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have sandy, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Calluna vulgaris ‘Kerstin’ is available this week in one gallon containers.