DABOECIA cantabrica. Irish heath. Southwestern Europe, Azores, Ireland. This is a small shrub much resembling some of the related ericas. Typically it forms a mound 1-2’ tall and about twice that in breadth. The slender stems are closely set with small narrow leaves, deep green above and pale beneath. For many weeks of summer and fall it displays clusters of 1/2" lantern shaped blossoms along 3-6" stems above the foliage. This species is nearly everblooming in coastal climates. ‘Alba’, is relatively upright in habit and has long clusters of pure white blossoms. ‘William Buchanan’ is dense and prostrate, with deep green leaves and rose-purple flowers. Its sport ‘William Buchanan Gold’, is distinguished by irregularly yellow-variegated leaves. Sun or light shade near the coast, part shade inland, well drained, acid soil, moderate watering. One of the easiest heaths to grow. Hardy to near 0^oF.