Overview
Phyllodoce empetriformis is a bushy shrubs in the genus Phyllodoce, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Phyllodoce empetriformis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, coastal, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds.
About
Phyllodoce empetriformis, also known by the common name pink mountain heather, is a flowering plant species in the family Ericaceae which is found in alpine environments in the Rocky Mountains of the Northwestern United States and Western Canada. It is a low matting shrub with distinctive, needle-like evergreen leaves and gets its name from its attractive bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. P. empetriformis is one of the parents of the artificial hybrid × Phyllothamnus erectus, the other being Rhodothamnus chamaecistus. In the wild it grows across North America, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California and other regions. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for gravel garden, rock garden, coastal, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phyllodoce empetriformis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phyllodoce
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Phyllodoce empetriformis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Rock garden, Coastal, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phyllodoce empetriformis
- Propagation
- Sowing seed at 6-12°C in early spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, Layering in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phyllodoce empetriformis?
Phyllodoce empetriformis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Phyllodoce empetriformis need?
Phyllodoce empetriformis grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Phyllodoce empetriformis hardy in the UK?
Phyllodoce empetriformis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Phyllodoce empetriformis?
Sowing seed at 6-12°C in early spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, Layering in spring.
