Overview
Cassiope mertensiana is a bushy alpine rockery in the genus Cassiope, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cassiope mertensiana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include rock garden and ground cover.
About
Cassiope mertensiana is a species of flowering plant known by the common names western moss heather and white mountain heather. This heather is native to subalpine areas of western North America, from Alaska to the mountains of California. It is a small, branching shrub which forms patches along the ground and in rocky crevices. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include rock garden and ground cover. It tolerates acid soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cassiope mertensiana
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cassiope
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Cassiope mertensiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cassiope mertensiana
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cassiope mertensiana?
Cassiope mertensiana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cassiope mertensiana need?
Cassiope mertensiana grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cassiope mertensiana hardy in the UK?
Cassiope mertensiana has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Cassiope mertensiana?
Seed, Softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings.
