Meaning Of Heather Flowers

Heather is a very popular ornamental plant in gardens and for landscaping. Symbolizing admiration and good luck, heather is also believed to have protective powers.

The scientific name for heather is Calluna vulgaris, which comes from the Greek "Kallune," meaning "to clean or brush," and the Latin "vulgaris," meaning "common," as heather twigs were once used for making brooms.

Native to Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, Russia and North America, heather branches are also said to have been used to make baskets, rope, bedding, as thatch for roofs and even to flavor beer or tea.

The flowers emerge in late summer – in wild plants these are normally mauve, but white-flowered plants also occur occasionally.

These evergreen shrubs consist of tight stems covered with tiny leaves. Today, it’s the beautiful heather flowers that draw our attention, which have 6- to 10-inch flower spikes in colors ranging from white to pink, purple and red.

Some Interesting Facts about Heather Flowers

• Heather is an important food source for various sheep and deer.
• Heather is an ingredient in gruit, a mixture of flavourings used in the brewing of beer during the Middle Ages before the use of hops.
• Heather honey is a highly valued product in moorland and heathland areas, with many beehives being moved there in late summer.
• White heather is regarded in some areas as being lucky, and sprigs of it are often sold as a charm.

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