About
Phyllodoce aleutica, the Aleutian mountain heath, is a low-growing, mat-forming evergreen shrub to about 20 cm with tiny, narrow, needle-like leaves and terminal clusters of small, hanging, urn-shaped, whitish-green flowers in late spring and early summer. A rewarding alpine shrub for a cool, moist, humus-rich, peaty rock garden.
About the genus
Phyllodoce are heath-like, dwarf, spreading or erect, evergreen shrubs with tiny, needle-like leaves and clusters of bell-, urn- or pitcher-shaped flowers in spring or summer. Excellent plants for moist, peaty rock gardens and alpine conditions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toWest N America, N Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained acid soil in partial shade
PruningPruning group 10, after flowering
PropagationPropagated by seed sown in early spring, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by layering in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free