In a mild climate, Irish bell heather (bot. Daboecia cantabrica) is hardy and evergreen. Contrary to its name, it is not only native to Ireland but can also be found in some parts of Portugal, Spain and France.

Irish bell heather survives mild winters outdoors

Like the Cape heather from South Africa, the Irish bell heather belongs to the heather family (bot. Ericaceae). When it comes to care, these plants differ only slightly, but they do differ in their appearance and frost tolerance. The Daboecia cantabrica can withstand light frost to just below freezing point.

Do I need to overwinter my Irish bell heather?

An Irish bell heather is not too expensive in the trade. For some garden owners, the question arises as to whether overwintering is necessary at all, or whether it might not be cheaper to simply buy a new plant next year.

You can only answer this question yourself. If the winter temperatures in your area fall just below freezing, then hibernation does not involve a lot of work. If you have suitable winter quarters, then hibernation is also worthwhile.

How do I take care of my Irish bell heather in winter?

The Irish bell heather is also an ornament in the garden during the winter. However, as an evergreen plant, it needs regular watering. If it is outside, you should water the Daboecia cantabrica on frost-free days, otherwise it will die of thirst. In a mild region, this danger is often greater than that of freezing to death. However, the irrigation water should be low in lime. The Irish bell heather does not need fertilizer at all.

If you live in a harsh area then place your Irish heather in a suitable winter quarters. If possible, this should be frost-free, which makes maintenance easier for you. Temperatures of around 5 °C are ideal, for example in an unheated conservatory or greenhouse. It should also be light to slightly shaded there. Darkness does not do Irish bell heather well.

The most important winter tips in brief:

  • conditionally hardy
  • if possible overwinter frost-free
  • choose bright but cool winter quarters
  • pour little
  • don't fertilize at all

tips

You should only overwinter your Irish heather outdoors in a correspondingly mild area, otherwise frost-free overwintering in a bright conservatory or in a greenhouse is recommended.

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Herbs