In a mild area, the 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.
Is the Irish bell heather hardy?
The Irish bell heather (Daboecia cantabrica) is conditionally hardy and can withstand light frost down to just below freezing point. In mild regions it can overwinter outdoors, while in harsher areas a frost-free, bright winter quarters such as a winter garden or greenhouse is recommended.
Like the Cape heath, which comes from South Africa, the Irish bell heather belongs to the heather family (bot. Ericaceae). These plants differ little in terms of care, but differ in their appearance and frost tolerance. The Daboecia cantabrica can withstand light frost down to just below freezing point.
Do I have to overwinter my Irish bell heather?
An Irish bell heather is not that expensive in stores. This raises the question for some garden owners as to whether overwintering is even necessary, or whether it might be cheaper to simply buy a new plant next year.
You can only answer this question yourself. If the temperatures in your area only drop just below freezing point in winter, then wintering doesn't require a lot of work. If you have suitable winter quarters, then overwintering is also worthwhile.
How do I care for 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 water. 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 risk is often greater than that of freezing to death. However, the irrigation water should be low in lime. The Irish bell heather doesn’t need fertilizer at all.
If you live in a harsh area, then move your Irish bell heather to suitable winter quarters. If possible, this should be frost-free, which makes care easier for you. Temperatures of around 5 °C are ideal, for example in an unheated winter garden or a greenhouse. It should also be light to slightly shady there. Darkness is not good for the Irish bell heather.
The most important winter tips in brief:
- conditionally hardy
- overwinter frost-free if possible
- choose bright but cool winter quarters
- water little
- don’t fertilize at all
Tip
You should only overwinter your Irish bell heather outside in a correspondingly mild area, otherwise it is recommended to overwinter frost-free in a bright winter garden or in a greenhouse.
