Daboecia cantabrica

Common name: St. Dabeoc's Heath, Irish Heath

Description: This charming low-growing evergreen shrub is native to the Atlantic coasts of France, Spain, Portugal, and western Ireland. Daboecia cantabrica forms a spreading mat of wiry, woody stems clothed in small, dark green, leathery leaves with distinctive silver-white undersides that create a lovely two-toned effect when the foliage moves in the breeze. From late spring through to early autumn, the plant produces drooping clusters of relatively large, bell-shaped flowers in various shades of purple, pink, or white, depending on the variety. These urn-shaped blooms are considerably larger than those of other heaths and heathers, making them particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The long flowering period and evergreen nature make this an excellent choice for year-round interest in acidic soil gardens, rock gardens, and naturalistic plantings where it can spread to form attractive ground cover.

Other benefits: excellent ground cover, long flowering period, attracts beneficial insects, salt tolerant, wind resistant

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, moths, other pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.4m x 0.8m

Position: full sun to partial shade; tolerates exposed positions

Soil pH: requires acidic soil; will not tolerate alkaline or chalky conditions

Moisture: moderate water needs; drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained but moisture-retentive soil; avoid waterlogging

Winter hardiness: moderately hardy; cold hardy to -12°C; may need protection in coldest regions