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. empetriformis – Pink Mountain Heather – This loose, mound or mat forming shrub from the Coast of Western North America grows 4-12″ tall and 16″ wide. It produces linear, glossy, bright green leaves, ½” long, with glandular-toothed margins, downy beneath.. In late spring and early summer it bears umbel like clusters of long stalked, bell shaped, purple pink to rose red flowers, ½” long.
Zones 3-6
