Although usually classified in trade catalogues as an herbaceous plant, P. vacciniifolium is as much a shrub as many other borderline species included in this work and is usually classified as such by botanists. It forms a mat of slender, intertwining woody stems a few inches high, but is able to spread almost indefinitely by self-layering. Leaves deciduous, rich glossy green above, glaucous beneath, mostly elliptic, 1⁄2 to 7⁄8 in. long, acute at the apex, somewhat undulate; stipules deeply divided into narrow shreds. Flowers rosy pink, about 1⁄8 in. long, subtended by glistening, golden-brown acuminate bracts, borne August to October in slender terminal and axillary spikes up to 3 in. long. Stamens six to eight, with pinkish purple anthers. Styles free, slender. Bot. Mag., t. 4622.
Native of the Himalaya; introduced in 1845. It is perfectly hardy and flowers profusely in a sunny position, provided the soil is not too rich. An ideal carpeting plant for the large rock garden or the top of a dry wall, particularly lovely in autumn, when the older leaves turn bright red. Easily propagated by taking rooted pieces, or by cuttings. Award of Garden Merit 1955.