About
Phyllodoce caerulea, the blue heath, is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with small, linear, dark-green, glossy leaves 1 cm long. Nodding, pitcher-shaped, purplish-pink flowers in clusters are produced in late spring and summer. An excellent, mound-forming plant for a cool, moist, 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
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Rock garden, Coastal
Native toTemp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained acid soil. Does best where summers are not too hot
PruningPruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 6-12°C in early spring, take semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free