Introducing...
Daboecia
Common name: Irish heath
Flowering in spring, summer or autumn (depending on the variety), these low, spreading evergreen shrubs make excellent ground cover, massed with other heathers to provide colour throughout the year. They are also suitable for containers and rock gardens.
Looks
Low-growing, spreading and compact, with small dark green leaves, these heathers have bell-like flowers from early summer to autumn – white, many shades of pink, ruby red or purple – flowering on the fine, wiry upright stems.
Likes
Daboecias will only grow in acidic soils, ideally sandy and free-draining. They prefer an open position in full sun. Wind-tolerant, they thrive in exposed situations.
Dislikes
Daboecias will not grow in limy or chalky soil (alkaline), though they can tolerate neutral soil. They will not do well in shade.
Did you know?
These heathers are similar in appearance and related to other types of heather (Calluna and Erica). The flowers are a valuable pollen source for bees.
Growing guide
How to grow Daboecia
All the information you'll need to grow and care for daboecias can be found in the RHS Guide to growing heathers.
Daboecia we recommend
Daboecia cantabrica subsp. scotica 'William Buchanan'
Irish heath 'William Buchanan'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Daboecia cantabrica 'Waley's Red'
Irish heath 'Waley's Red'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Daboecia cantabrica subsp. scotica 'Silverwells'
Irish heath 'Silverwells'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Daboecia cantabrica subsp. scotica 'William Buchanan'
Irish heath 'William Buchanan'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Daboecia cantabrica 'Waley's Red'
Irish heath 'Waley's Red'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Daboecia cantabrica subsp. scotica 'Silverwells'
Irish heath 'Silverwells'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Bees in your garden
Soil types
Soil: understanding pH and testing soil
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.