Alpine Heather Plant Care

Alpine Heather (Cassiope mertensiana) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Cassiope genus. Alpine Heather is also known as Mertens' Cassiope.

Alpine Heather displays a low mat-forming shrub growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Alpine Heather produces bell-shaped white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alpine Heather every 7–14 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.

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

Cassiope mertensiana tolerates temperatures of 40–70°F. Alpine Heather prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic matter, such as peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Alpine Heather to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alpine Heather every 8 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 to full shade and well-draining acidic soil with high organic matter, such as peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alpine Heather is suited to USDA Zone 11a.

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.

Alpine Heather can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Alpine Heather 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.

Alpine Heather is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alpine Heather can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to moss heather plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Alpine Heather is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. 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.

Alpine Heather grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. In cooler regions, grow Alpine Heather as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.