Overview

Cassiope tetragona is a bushy alpine rockery in the genus Cassiope, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cassiope tetragona 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 tetragona (common names include Arctic bell-heather, white Arctic mountain heather and Arctic white heather) is a plant native to the high Arctic and northern Norway, where it is found widely. Growing to 10–20 cm in height, it is a strongly branched dwarf shrub. The leaves are grooved, evergreen, and scale-like in four rows. Pedicels are long and arched. 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 4.0Cassiope tetragona

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 tetragona 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 tetragona

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 tetragona?

Cassiope tetragona prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Cassiope tetragona need?

Cassiope tetragona grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Cassiope tetragona hardy in the UK?

Cassiope tetragona 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 tetragona?

Seed, Softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings.

More in the Cassiope genus

Browse all Cassiope