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Description
Phyllodoce Caerulea, commonly known as Blue Mountain heather, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae. This evergreen shrub is native to the western United States, particularly the Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, and Rocky Mountains. It grows up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide, producing clusters of small bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or pink from late spring to early summer. The plant’s foliage is needle-like and dark green in color, providing an excellent contrast to the colorful flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Phyllodoce |
| Species | Phyllodoce Caerulea |
Appearance
Blue Mountain heather has a compact and mounding habit, forming a dense mat of foliage. Its needles are about 0.5 inches long, and the flowers are small, about 0.25 inches in diameter. The plant’s flowers bloom in clusters at the end of each stem, and they are tubular with 5 petals. The flowers can be blue, purple, or pink, and they have a sweet scent. The leaves of the plant are glossy and dark green, arranged alternately on the stem. The plant’s bark is brown and smooth.
Care Guide
To care for Blue Mountain heather, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant prefers acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. It also requires regular watering, especially during the growing season when the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry before nightfall, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases.Blue Mountain heather does not require heavy fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year in early spring. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20°F. It is hardy in zones 5 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Blue Mountain heather is relatively disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. Spider mites and aphids can also attack the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Blue Mountain heather is found in the high-altitude regions of the western United States, particularly in the Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, and Rocky Mountains. It grows in rocky and sandy soils in alpine and subalpine habitats, often in areas with cold and snowy winters.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Blue Mountain heather?
A: Blue Mountain heather should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season when the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry before nightfall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Blue Mountain heather?
A: Blue Mountain heather is hardy in zones 5 to 7.
Q: What kind of soil does Blue Mountain heather prefer?
A: Blue Mountain heather prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5.
Q: What kind of pests can attack Blue Mountain heather?
A: Spider mites and aphids can attack Blue Mountain heather, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Related Plants
- Phyllodoce Breweri
- Phyllodoce Empetriformis
- Phyllodoce Glanduliflora
- Phyllodoce Umbellata
References
- “Phyllodoce Caerulea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c810. Accessed 24 Aug. 2021.
- “Blue Mountain Heather.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/blue-mountain-heather-plant-profile-4842617. Accessed 24 Aug. 2021.
- “Phyllodoce Caerulea – (L.)B.L.Rob.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:187626-2. Accessed 24 Aug. 2021.
