Daboecia cantabrica 'Polifolia'
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CANTABRIAN HEATH, IRISH HEATH, ST. DABOEC'S HEATH
syn. D. polifolia
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: dab-EE-shi-uh KAN-tuh-bri-kuh
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Western Europe, Ireland.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
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Mature size: Height: 12-20 inches (30-50 cm). Width: 12-17 inches (30-45 cm).
Flowering period: August to November.
Flowering attributes: Mauve urn-shape flowers on terminal racemes.
Leaf attributes: Lance shape to oval green leaves with silver tomentose underneath making the leaves appear gray.
Growth habit: Upright.
Light: Full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Humus rich, acidic, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Side dress with compost and a complete organic fertilizer in the spring.
Propagation Methods: Semi-ripe cuttings mid-summer. | Layer in Autumn.
Pruning Methods: It's important to prune in early spring to keep the plant from becoming straggly. Don't cut into woody barren areas of the branch, cut where there are leaves. A light shearing every year will keep it in good shape. I normally cut just below the spent flower.
Rainy Side Notes
Daboecia 'Polifolia' adds to the late summer and autumn garden with its evergreen foliage looking good the rest of the year. This cultivar has been cultivated since 1800 and named after the Irish saint--St. Dabeoc.
Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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