Crowberry Heath Plant Care

Crowberry Heath (Bryanthus empetriformis) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Bryanthus genus. Crowberry Heath is native to alpine environments in the Rocky Mountains of the Northwestern United States and Western Canada. Crowberry Heath is also known as Crowberry Heather.

Crowberry Heath displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Crowberry Heath produces bell-shaped white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Crowberry Heath every 3–4 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Crowberry Heath thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Crowberry Heath in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Bryanthus empetriformis tolerates temperatures of 50–70°F. Crowberry Heath prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Crowberry Heath to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Crowberry Heath every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Crowberry Heath is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Crowberry Heath can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Crowberry Heath while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Crowberry Heath is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Crowberry Heath can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to moss-leaved heath plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Crowberry Heath is susceptible to spider mites, lace bugs, weevils. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Crowberry Heath grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Crowberry Heath is native to alpine environments in the Rocky Mountains of the Northwestern United States and Western Canada. In cooler regions, grow Crowberry Heath as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.