Plant Profile

Botanical Name: Erica spp. & cvs Common Name: Heath or Heather

Species and cultivars of special interest: Erica Sessifolia, Erica hybrida There are approximately 860 species of flowering plants in the family Eericaceae. They come in white, red, pink and green in colour.

Origin: South Africa

Availability: All year round although main profusion is Autumn, Winter and Spring

Foliage Characteristics: It is a strong growing shrub 1-2 mt high with woody branches. It has needle like leaves pointing in an upward direction.

Floral Characteristics: These flowers are tube/bell shaped flowers, which are approximately 15-20mm long. They have no fragrance; the colour range is white, red, and pink, green.

Special features and characteristics of special interest: Most species can be raised from seed; they also have very small seeds and in some species may persist in the soil for decades. They grow well in raised beds; they dislike animal manure and lime.

Maintenance, Cultural requirements and Post Harvest Treatments: Leaves and flowers dry out easily or often drop prematurely so keep well hydrated. Remove bottom leaves, re-cut stems and place in fresh water with flower food solution. Do not place in cool room.

Pest and Diseases: They have few diseases and generally no insects affect this plant, however it can be affected by Phytopthora root disease.

Use In Floristry: This is a good transitional flower suitable for vases and use in floral foam. Also can be great in a bouquet if well conditioned as it can make a nice edge around bouquets. It is excellent to use in wreaths and funeral sheafs. The typical vase life is 7-10 days.

Customer advice: Re-cut stems and remove leaves below water line. They are susceptible to drying out so keep flowers well hydrated. Replace water every 2 days, purchase when approximately half the flowers are open.

References:

Fresh cut flowers by Gregory Milner

www.plant2africa.com/plantefg/ericasessil

www.rhs.org.uk/plants/89389/erica

What cut flower is that by Delwyn Thomas/Bettina Gollnow

Africaseeds.com/products/Erica-sessilflora