Can you provide more specific information as to type? Your selection looks as though it could be a tree heath of some type, which tend to be somewhat less hardy than low growing heaths and heathers.

I had purchased it at home depot and on the tag it had both calluna and erica listed but from what it looks like from my internet searches those are two different kinds? im not sure what else you need ... can you tell me what would help out in your assessment

It is most likely an Erica, as Callunas tend to be a) summer and fall bloomers, and b) low growing groundcovers. It could be a tree heath, Erica arborea, or more likely, a South African heath that is typically sold through the winter months as a pot plant in full bloom, Erica gracilis. This is not a hardy plant in our climate - enjoy it as a houseplant as long as it lasts. Bright light, cool situation and low water but don't allow to dry out completely. If it makes it through the winter, you can attempt to plant outdoors, but if of this variety, don't be surprised if it does not thrive. It is not very frost hardy.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cape heaths