Erica

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General Description/History

While there are over 700 species of Erica found all over the world, the species used as cut flowers originate in South Africa, where they are called Cape Heath. While the cut flower forms are related to Australian heath, they are not the same, as the Australian forms are from the genus Epacris, not Erica.

Erica comes as short branches covered in many small flowers that can be round or tubular. Common colours are white, pink, red, and purple, but as so many forms are used other colours may also be available.

Erica is grown outside in field plantations. In Australia they are grown close to the capital cities, particularly in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and NSW.

What to look for

  • About 1/2 of the flowers should be open.
  • Check the small flowers and make sure they are not shrivelled.
  • Leaves of some species can drop before flowers wilt.

Flower Care

  1. Keep cool! Never place in full sun.
  2. Break bunches apart.
  3. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem.
  4. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in cold water.
  5. Use a preservative as this will keep flowers looking fresh.
  6. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.
  7. Misting can help keep bunches looking fresh.

Botanical Name: Erica sessifolia,E. hybrida,E. baccans,E cerinthoides

Common Names: Heath

Stem Length: 20 to 50 cm

Country of Origin: South Africa

Available Colours: Pink, White

Season: Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November