Fabiana

This group consists of about 25 evergreen, heath-like shrubs, commonly known as False Heath. These plants are found wild in the temperate regions of South America, therefore need to be grown in a mild climate. F. imbricata is really the only one commonly grown. It is a medium-sized shrub whose branches are covered with small, grayish-green, scale-like leaves giving them a feathery appearance. In early summer, the branches are covered with numerous, white, tubular-shaped flowers. A variety of imbricata, called Prostrata, forms a small, round, compact shrub with the same feathery looking branches as the wild species. This variety is covered with small, light mauve flowers in late spring and early summer. It is suitable for large rock gardens. Another variety, violacea, is a medium-sized shrub with lavender-mauve flowers.

Pot Cultivation

False Heaths should be grown in a sunny location. They will flourish in moist, well-drained, neutral or acidic soil, although they are tolerant of limy soil (except extremely shallow, alkaline types). Plants that are becoming straggly may be pruned back in the spring.

Propagation

Cuttings can be made of side shoots in the summer and inserted into sandy soil.

Varieties

• F. imbricata & var. Prostrata, violacea.