Description
Phyllodoce –
There are about 8 species of spreading or erect, evergreen shrub and subshrubs in the Ericaceae family, in this genus. They occur from alpine and arctic habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. They produce alternate, linear, leathery, leaves that are less than 1″ long and are downy beneath, with rolled, finely toothed margins, their almost pine needle like. From spring to ealry summer it bears bell, urn, or pitcher shaped, 5 lobed, nodding or horizontally held flowers are borne in terminal racemes or umbel like clusters, sometimes solitary.
Grow in lime free, moderately fertile, humus rich, moist, but well drained, acidic soil in partial shade. They quickly suffer in hot, dry conditions. Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact habit.
P. caerulea – P. taxifolia – This upright shrub from Europe, Asia and the USA grows 6-12″ tall and wide. It produces linear, fine toothed, glossy, dark green leaves, to ½” long, downy beneath. In late spring and summer it bears bell shaped, lilac to purplish pink flowers, ½” long, are held singly or in umbel like clusters of 3-4.
Zones 2-5
