In milder climates, Irish Heath (*Daboecia cantabrica*) can actually be a hardy, evergreen addition to your garden. Despite what the name suggests, these beauties with their eye-catching bell-shaped blooms aren’t just native to Ireland—you’ll also find them growing wild across large parts of Portugal, Spain, and France.
Irish Heath Can Handle Mild Winters Outdoors
As a member of the Ericaceae family, Irish Heath is pretty similar to other heathers when it comes to general care.
However, it does stand out a bit in terms of looks and how much cold it can take. While it’s fairly resilient, Irish Heath is best suited for light frosts; it can handle temperatures dipping just below freezing, but it’s not a fan of a deep freeze.
Can I Overwinter My Irish Heath?
Because you can usually pick up these plants fairly cheaply at garden centers, many people treat them as annuals—tossing them in the fall and buying new ones next season. But honestly, you don’t have to do that!
Whether you want to swap them out or keep them going is up to you. If you live in a mild area where winter temperatures stay hovering right around the freezing mark, overwintering them outdoors is totally doable and doesn’t take much effort at all.
If your winters are a bit harsher with lots of snow and deep freezes, you’ll want to bring them inside. A bright sunroom, a frost-free greenhouse, or a cool, well-lit indoor spot is perfect for keeping them safe until spring.
Tips for Ideal Winter Care
Irish Heath is actually pretty low-maintenance during the winter months. Just keep these two main things in mind:
- Keep Up with Watering:
Even in the cold months, this evergreen needs a drink. If your plant is staying outside, make sure to water it only on days when the ground isn’t frozen. If the roots are locked in ice, the plant can’t take up water and will actually die of thirst! Also, try to use rainwater or filtered water, as they prefer low-lime (soft) water. No need to worry about fertilizer right now—they don’t need it in the winter.
- Move Them if the Forecast Looks Scary:
If you’re expecting a real cold snap or live in a zone with harsh winters, move your heather to a protected spot. Ideally, you want a frost-free area around 40-45°F (5°C). Light is the most important factor here—Irish Heath hates the dark, and if it doesn’t get enough light during the winter, it likely won’t make it to spring.
