Daboecia cantabrica, Irish heath

From Ireland to northern Spain. A prostrate, sprawling shrub resembling heather (25–50 cm tall) with many strongly branched reddish-brown stems. Leaves narrowly elliptic and only about 1 cm long, their margins slightly revolute. Purple flowers are borne in terminal, loose racemes; flowering period from July to September. There are about 20 garden forms. In any case it requires acidic, humus-rich, not too dry soil and a sheltered, wind-protected position. The above-ground parts may be killed by frost, but it regenerates well after hard pruning. A valuable addition to moorland gardens. Hardiness zone 7a.