Purple Mountainheath
Phyllodoce breweri
- Native to:
- United States
Akos Kokai (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Phyllodoce
- Species:
- Phyllodoce breweri
- USDA Symbol:
- PHBR4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, rose
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to alpine and subalpine regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; sow on surface. Germination can be erratic in cultivation.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds require 2 months of cold stratification at 35°F mixed with moist vermiculite in a sealed plastic bag.
Establishment: The plant is known to grow in Nevada and California, mostly in wetland and subalpine field-type areas. It is also found on moist rocky slopes, meadows, sub-alpine at 4,000-11,000 feet. Germination rate and time may vary based on temperature and pre-treatment.
Source: npn.rngr.net