Cassiope 'Muirhead'

Dwarf sub-shrub of the Ericaceae family, Cassiope 'Muirhead' is a horticultural hybrid, resulting from a cross between Cassiope lycopodioides and Cassiope wardii. It was obtained in Scotland, a country that played a central role in the selection and dissemination of cultivated cassiopes, and whose cool and humid climate perfectly suits this demanding genus.

The habit is intermediate between its two parents: the cushion is dense and spreading, but the stems have a slight upright tendency that gives it a more structured appearance than that of C. lycopodioides. The height is around 10 to 15 cm. The foliage consists of small, dark green, scaly leaves, tightly packed along the stems, evergreen and with a very decorative regular texture.

The flowers are pure white bells, well-formed, borne on slender reddish peduncles, with a calyx with characteristically red-tinged sepals. Their abundance at flowering time is one of the most appreciated qualities of this cultivar. In cultivation, flowering occurs from April to May.

Like all cassiopes, it requires acidic, peaty, fresh, and well-drained soil, without limestone, and prefers a cool to semi-shaded exposure. It cannot withstand prolonged summer heat or drought.