Hardiness zones
Sunset 13 (with protection or as summer annual), 16-17, 21- 14
USDA 9 (with protection), 10 - 11

Landscape Use: shade gardens, wet borders, accent, formal edging, container plant, bonsai

Form & Character: Sensitive, tropical, woody perennial sub shrub, diminutive, reserved, refined.

Growth Habit: slow to moderate, compact, dome like

Foliage/Texture: Small, opposite, linear to lanceolate leaves to 3/4" long, fine texture

Flowers & Fruits: Tiny, axillary flowers, calyx green, petals in colors ranging from white to rose purple, fruit inconspicuous dry capsule

Seasonal Color: Flowers during warmer times of years

Temperature: Will not tolerate frost. Best above 55F

Light: Partial to full shade in Phoenix.

Soil: Prefers slightly acid, avoid highly alkaline. Best if amended with peat moss.

Watering: Regular and heavy.

Pruning: None

Propagation: Cutting

Disease and pests: Spider mites

Additional comments: False heather is a nice, small plant for those damp, partial shade garden locations where the feeling of being in a desert is not wanted. Seldom seen in Phoenix landscapes. Named cultivars exist including 'Alba' with white flowers. Contact dermatitis from sap a possibility.