The Irish heather or bell heather is a compact, bushy heather plant that can bloom a second time after pruning.
The Irish heather (Daboecia cantabrica), like the related cape heath, belongs to the heather family. Between July and September, the Irish bell heather impresses with pretty white, red or purple flowers. Contrary to the name, the plant is not only native to the Emerald Isle, but also occurs in Spain, Portugal and France. The plants can grow up to 50 centimeters high and are an ornament for the garden and terrace.
Plant Irish Heather
➔ Find the right location
The Irish Heath requires a sunny position. The sun should be present for at least three hours a day. The blazing midday sun is tolerated without any problems.
» Tip for potted plants: In full sun, the root ball dries out quickly and must therefore be watered more frequently.
A particularly impressive play of colors opens up when Irish heather is planted in groups. Combinations with other heather plants are also advantageous. If you pay attention to the flowering times, you can create a colorful heather garden all year round. Irish heather's welcome planting neighbors are common heather, sphagnum sphagnum or gloomycete.
A particularly popular variety:
| Irish Heather 'Bellita' (Daboecia cantabrica 'Bellita') | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 5 - 8 cm a year |
| Growth: | 20 - 35 cm |
| Growth: | 25 - 35 cm |
| Root system: | Shallow roots |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | fresh to moist, humic, well-drained, slightly acidic |
➔ Choosing the ideal substrate
The Irish Heath is quite demanding when it comes to choosing the substrate. Normal garden soil is usually suitable but should be prepared accordingly.
Overview of land requirements:
- loose
- permeable
- humos
- fresh
- limescale
If you determine the pH value of the soil, you play it safe. Corresponding test strips are available in every garden center. The ideal soil for Irish heather has a pH of four to five.
Heavy clay soils are unsuitable and should be loosened up by mixing in gravel or sand. Then the irrigation water can drain off better and there is no waterlogging.
» Tip: If the substrate is too calcareous, rhododendron soil should be mixed in.
For cultivation in planters, the use of special soil that is tailored to the needs of ericaceous plants is a good idea.
➔ Planting Irish heather - step by step
The Irish heather is offered in a plant container. The plants can be placed in the bed all year round, provided there is no ground frost. However, planting is not recommended on very hot summer days.
Planting - step by step:
- choose suitable location
- Loosen and prepare the soil
- Note the planting distance
- Dig planting hole
- Insert Irish Heather
- Fill substrate
- Close planting hole
- Water Irish heather well
» Tip: The heather can also be cultivated in tubs. Drainage in the bottom of the vessel should not be omitted.
Watering Irish heather properly
The plants have a high moisture requirement. It is therefore important to ensure that the soil is evenly moist. It does not harm the moor plants if a little water occasionally collects in the saucer or if the soil in the bed does not dry immediately after watering.
The root ball of the heather plants must not dry out. At the same time, care must be taken to ensure that waterlogging does not occur and the roots are thereby attacked. Since the Irish heath does not tolerate lime, it is preferable to water it with rainwater. If you cannot fall back on this, you should decalcify the tap water or leave it overnight so that the limescale can settle.
Fertilize Irish Heather
Fertilization is not necessary for Irish Heath. The plants are well adapted to growth in nutrient-poor soils.
Pruning Irish Heather
Irish heather is cut back in spring. The plants are goodcut compatible. The annual pruning in March or April ensures even growth and protects the heather plants from bare.
It should not be cut any deeper than four inches. The fresh shoots are not shortened. So that the plant is not injured, make sure you use sharp cutting tools.
» Tip: Regularly removing faded flowers can ensure rebloom.
Propagating Irish Heather
Irish Heather can be propagated by the following methods:
- Cuttings
- Sowing
➔ Propagating Irish Heather by Cuttings
In September, cuttings are taken from the Irish heather. A cutting should have a length of about ten centimeters. The cuttings are rooted in a planter filled with potting soil. If a new shoot can be seen, the propagation was successful and the cutting can be planted in the bed or in the tub.
➔ Propagating Irish Heather by Seed
The sowing requires a little patience. A planter is filled with a mixture of sand and potting soil. The seeds are evenly distributed on the substrate and lightly covered with soil. The plant bowl is set up bright but not in full sun. The temperatures should be between 20 and 23 degrees. The germination period extends over three to four months. The young plants can be planted in beds or containers in spring.
Wintering Irish Heath
The evergreen plants enrich the rather dreary garden in the cold season. Even in winter, the Irish heath needs regular watering. This should be done on frost-free days so that the roots can absorb the moisture.
In regions with a harsh climate, overwintering the plants indoors is a good idea. In the winter quarters, temperatures should be around five degrees. It is important to ensure that there is sufficient light at the stand. Greenhouses or an unheated conservatory are well suited.