Where To Plant And How To Grow, Care And Prune Daboecia Cantabrica (Irish Heath)

Daboecia is closely related to the genus Erica (heath) that is popular in winter gardens. Daboecia is native to western Ireland and northern Spain and found along western France. It is also known as St Dabeoc’s heath, Irish bell heather, Irish heath or Cantabrian heath, and often grouped with heathers and heaths. It has an attractive pendent urn or bell-shaped flower which blooms from late spring through to early to mid autumn – sometimes longer during mild fall weather. It is a little on the tender side but can withstand the winters in zones 7 – 9.

Daboecia cantabrica or Irish heath makes a beautiful addition as a summer ground cover or in a mixed border and adding colour in an autumn garden. Flowers range from white, pink and deep purple. Collect the tiny seeds from the small capsule of spent flowers. Differs from Erica and Calluna species with having larger, bell-shaped flowers and a longer blooming period.

They also look lovely in a planter on your patio. Planting the Irish heath in a garden pot is a good option for colder regions where it can be moved to a more sheltered location, protecting it from freezing winters during it dormancy. Add to your garden to support pollinators (bees, butterflies). Ecological part of biodiverse heathland ecosystems.

This compact shrub bridges ecological and cultural landscapes, offering aesthetic and environmental benefits while symbolizing the botanical richness of Atlantic Europe. Pair with acid-loving species like Rhododendron, Vaccinium, and other heathers for cohesive garden design. This guide on how to grow Daboecia cantabrica will show how easy it is to plant, care and prune this evergreen shrub.