Rocky Mountain White Heather

Rocky Mountain White Heather (Cassiope tetragona subsp. saximontana) requires moderate watering; the soil should be kept evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Aim for about 1" of water per week during the growing season (spring/summer). If rainfall is abundant, additional watering will not be necessary. In the fall and winter months, however, scale back watering to once a month. Do not water the plant if the soil is wet or cold. If you're unsure, it's better to wait until the soil is dry before watering.

Rocky Mountain White Heather typically grows best in areas with full sun, meaning that it should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. During the summer months, the plant can tolerate more direct sunlight and may even perform better if exposed to full sun all day long. During the winter months, however, the plant should receive some respite from direct sunlight for at least part of the day to avoid sunburn and leaf burn. It's always best to find a spot with some afternoon shade.

Rocky Mountain White Heather should be pruned once per year after the blooms have appeared. Pruning should occur during the summer prior to the plant going dormant for the winter. Pruning can be done more frequently but should be limited to light shearing. For this species, avoid pruning more than 1/3 of the stem material as it can weaken the plant and reduce flowering potential. Pruning is primarily done to maintain a bushy appearance and a desirable shape. It is important to remove dead or damaged material to help promote new growth and flowering.