Phyllodoce caerulea
blue heath
A low-growing, evergreen shrub with small (1cm) linear, dark green glossy leaves and nodding, pitcher-shaped, purplish-pink flowers in clusters in late spring and summer. A good plant for the rock garden
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Phyllodoce are heath-like, dwarf, spreading or erect, evergreen shrubs. The stems are clothed with tiny, needle-like leaves topped with clusters of bell-, urn- or pitcher-shaped flowers in spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained acid soil. Does best where summers are not too hot
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 6-12°C in early spring, take semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Coastal
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.