Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica

Description

Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica is a low-growing evergreen shrub that belongs to the heather family, Ericaceae. It is native to the Azores Islands, Portugal and is also commonly known as Azorean heath. The plant is known for its beautiful bell-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, or white, typically from late spring to early autumn. Its foliage is dark green, glossy and leathery, making it an attractive plant for landscaping.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica typically grows up to 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide. The plant has a compact, mounding habit and produces small, leathery leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are elliptical in shape and are about 0.4 to 1 inch long. The flowers of the Azorean heath are bell-shaped and are typically 0.8 to 1 inch long. The flowers can be pink, purple, or white in color and have a speckled appearance. The flowers bloom in clusters at the end of the stems, typically from late spring to early autumn. The plant’s fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.

Care Guide

Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:

Water

Azorean heath prefers moist soil, but it is important not to overwater the plant. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilization

Azorean heath does not require much fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer that is specifically formulated for acid-loving plants.

Soil

Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica prefers well-draining, acidic soil. If the soil in your garden is not acidic, you can add some peat moss or sulfur to the soil to lower the pH level.

Sunlight

Azorean heath prefers partial shade or full sun. If the plant is grown in full sun, it is important to make sure that the soil stays moist.

Hardiness Zones

Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Azorean heath is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, the plant may occasionally suffer from fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or root rot. These diseases can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring that the plant is grown in well-draining soil. The plant may also be susceptible to spider mites or aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.

Habitat

Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica is native to the Azores Islands, Portugal. The plant thrives in moist, well-draining soil in partial shade or full sun. It is commonly used in landscaping as a groundcover or in rock gardens. The plant is also popular as a container plant or as an indoor plant.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica toxic to pets?

A: No, the plant is not toxic to pets.

Q: Can Azorean heath tolerate drought?

A: No, the plant prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.

Q: How often should I fertilize Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica?

A: You should fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer that is specifically formulated for acid-loving plants.

Q: Can Azorean heath tolerate full sun?

A: Yes, the plant can tolerate full sun, but it is important to make sure that the soil stays moist.

Related Plants

• Daboecia Cantabrica
• Erica Azorica
• Calluna Vulgaris
• Pieris Japonica

References

• “Daboecia Cantabrica.” The Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/8619/daboecia-cantabrica/details
• “Daboecia Cantabrica Azorica.” Pacific Horticulture Society. https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/daboecia-cantabrica-azorica/
• “Daboecia Cantabrica Subsp. Azorica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282356