Daboecia 'Barbara Phillips' Daboecia × scotica 'Barbara Phillips'
ABOUT
'Barbara Phillips' is a dwarf evergreen shrub with dark green foliage and loose racemes of reddish-purple flowers from mid summer to late autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Irish Bell Heather, St. Dabeoc's Heath
Common names
Daboecia × scotica 'Barbara Phillips'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The plant has striking bell-shaped flowers and evergreen foliage that provide year-round visual interest in gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Season: It usually flowers from late spring to early autumn, offering a prolonged display of color.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep beyond the basic requirements of sunlight, watering, and occasional feeding.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather, making it suitable for gardens in regions with variable rainfall.
- Cold Hardy: It can tolerate frost and is capable of surviving in cooler climates, making it a versatile choice for various garden zones.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Adaptable to Soil Types: It can thrive in a range of soil conditions, although it prefers acidic, well-drained soils.
- Compact Size: Its small to medium stature makes it suitable for use in smaller gardens, borders, containers, or as ground cover.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is generally not preferred by deer, which helps to prevent browsing damage in areas where deer are present.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The leaves and flowers of Daboecia scotica can be used to produce natural dyes for textile coloring, often yielding soft green hues.
- Photography: The vibrant flowers make Daboecia scotica a popular subject for botanical photography and garden portfolios.
- Educational Tool: In botanical and horticultural education, this plant is used to teach about hybrid vigor and the propagation of heather plants.
- Crafting: Dried sprigs of Daboecia scotica can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and other craft projects.
- Landscape Design: They serve as an example in landscape architecture courses for designing with evergreens in temperate climates.
- Moss Prevention: This plant can be used in garden settings to help reduce the growth of mosses by providing shade and competing for resources.
- Insect Habitat: Some gardeners plant Daboecia scotica to provide a natural habitat and food source for beneficial insects, including certain types of bees.
- Soil Erosion Control: This plant's ability to form dense mats makes it suitable for use in preventing soil erosion on slopes.
- Festive Decor: The flowers and foliage of Daboecia scotica can be gathered and used in seasonal autumn and winter displays.
- Nature-inspired Art: Artists use the plant's form and color as inspiration for paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiIrish Heath is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityIrish Heath is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Daboecia × scotica 'Barbara Phillips', commonly known as St. Dabeoc's Heath, often symbolizes endurance due to its capacity to thrive in harsh climates and poor soils which are typical in its native habitat.
- Protection: Heaths have traditionally been thought to offer protection; this belief stems from the plant's use in thatching roofs and in some cultures, to ward off evil spirits.
- Solitude: The plant's preference for growing in quiet, undisturbed areas can represent solitude or the enjoyment of one's own company.
- Beauty: With its attractive flowers, St. Dabeoc's Heath is often associated with natural beauty, emphasizing appreciation for the simple yet elegant aspects of life.
- Adaptability: The ability of this plant to adapt to various conditions is symbolic of flexibility and the ability to adjust to life's changing circumstances.
WaterThe St. Dabeoc's Heath requires regular watering to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Provide about 1-2 gallons of water each time you water the plant, reducing the amount as winter approaches. A good rule of thumb is to check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. Avoid overwatering by ensuring the pot or the ground where the St. Dabeoc's Heath is planted has proper drainage.
LightSt. Dabeoc's Heath thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal location would provide the plant with sunlight for most of the day, with some shelter from the intense midday sun. A spot that receives morning sunlight and dappled afternoon shade would be perfect for promoting healthy growth and flowering.
TemperatureSt. Dabeoc's Heath prefers cooler temperature conditions but can survive within a range of temperatures. The plant is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 75°F. The ideal conditions for St. Dabeoc's Heath would be a climate where temperatures consistently stay between 50°F and 70°F.
PruningPrune St. Dabeoc's Heath to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Pruning every year or two is often enough to keep the plant healthy and encourage new blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Scottish Heath 'Barbara Phillips' is a well-draining acidic mix; a combination of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark is ideal. The optimal soil pH for this plant is between 4.5 and 5.5.
RepottingScottish Heath 'Barbara Phillips' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, to ensure continued health and growth.
Humidity & MistingScottish Heath 'Barbara Phillips' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and keep soil slightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, in acidic, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Daboecia × scotica 'Barbara Phillips', commonly known as St. Dabeoc's Heath 'Barbara Phillips', begins with germination from seed, although as a hybrid cultivar, it is often propagated through cuttings for true-to-type plants. Once established, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase where it forms a compact, evergreen shrub with dark green leaves. Flowering typically occurs in the summer, presenting bell-shaped flowers that range in color from purple to pink. After pollination, which is assisted by bees and other pollinators, seed capsules develop and eventually release seeds, although hybrid propagation is more common. As a perennial, St. Dabeoc's Heath 'Barbara Phillips' then enters a period of dormancy in the winter, with reduced metabolic activity before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Daboecia × scotica 'Barbara Phillips', also known as ‘St. Dabeoc's Heath’, is primarily propagated through semi-ripe cuttings during summer. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering shoots from the current year's growth. Cuttings should be around 2 to 4 inches long, with the lower leaves removed. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining, sandy potting mix and place them in a propagator or a warm, sheltered spot with indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and roots should establish in a few weeks. Once rooting is evident, the new plants can be potted individually and eventually moved outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
