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Heather Bell Wikimedia Commons
Ericaceae

Heather Bell

Erica cinerea

Scottish highlands, solitude, and good luck.

Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Erica
Native to
Western Europe
Bloom season
Summer, Early Fall
Type
evergreen dwarf shrub
Height
15–60 cm
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
acidic, sandy, well-drained
Water
low to moderate
Hardiness
5–8
Lifespan
perennial; up to 30 years

Did you know

  • White heather is traditionally considered lucky in Scotland and is often included in bridal bouquets.
  • Bell heather turns vast moorlands purple in summer, a spectacle that draws tourists to the Scottish Highlands.
  • The tiny urn-shaped flowers are perfectly sized for bumblebees, which buzz-pollinate to shake out pollen.
  • Heather honey is thick, aromatic, and highly prized — it is the only honey in the UK with a Protected Designation of Origin.
  • In Scottish folklore, heather grew from the tears of a Pictish princess mourning her lost love.

Color meanings

0

admiration

1

solitude

2

good fortune

Uses

  • heathland restoration
  • heather honey production
  • ornamental borders
  • dried flower arrangements