Family: Ericaceae

These eight species of small, evergreen shrubs originate in the alpine regions of Europe and Asia. They are best suited to growing in pockets of cool-climate rockeries. The small, leathery leaves are long, slender and slightly downy on the undersides. The bell- or urn-shaped flowers are mostly in shades of pink or purple. They appear in late spring to early summer and are very reminiscent of heather which is in the same botanical family.

Species

P. aleutica, zone 2, from Asia and Alaska, grows to 25 cm (10 in), with small, solitary, urn-shaped, yellow flowers.

P. caerulea, zone 2, to 15 cm (6 in), has a tufting habit. The solitary, pitcher-shaped flowers are purple-pink in colour.

P. empetriformis, zone 3, is also a tufting plant, to 30 cm (12 in), with small, pitcher-shaped, bright reddish purple flowers.

P. nipponica, zone 3, from japan, is a small plant with small, whitish pink, bell-shaped flowers.

Cultivation

These plants should be grown in acid or lime-free soil which is able to retain moisture, yet is free draining. Add organic matter such as leaf mould or peat before planting. Site them in semi-shade. Propagate from seed in spring under glass, or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Plants can also be layered in spring.

Climate

Best in cool to cold climates.