Contents
Origins and characteristics of Erica fiore
The name heather actually refers to a botanical genus that includes hundreds of different species of shrubs, native to Africa, Europe and the entire Mediterranean region. Calluna vulgaris, a plant derived from heather, is also often included in this large group. With all the species in existence, it is difficult, if not impossible, to classify them and understand the original species. Let’s say that many varieties of heather cover the ground and reach a maximum of one foot in height; then there are also larger species, up to two meters high. In any case, all types of heather have fleshy, needle-like foliage, which grows on semi-woody, sparsely branched stems. In spring or autumn, at the end of the branches or among the leaves, many small flowers bloom. The heather flower is small, It is shaped like a cylindrical bell and can be white, red, purple or pink. Mammal heather has the largest flower, measuring several centimeters. All other species, on the other hand, have tiny but elegant flowers.
Erica’s flower farm
Heather can grow naturally in undergrowth and in wetlands. Today it is widely used as a ground cover to give color and liveliness to public gardens and parks and, if desired, it makes an excellent border plant, so long as it is contained, as it tends to spread, like all ground cover species. . . Varieties of African origin do not tolerate cold and have a very early flowering, which begins in autumn. If these species are chosen, it is better to grow them in pots and move them if necessary. All types of flowering heather need acidic soil because they are acid-loving and should be watered with lime-free water. Alternatively, it is necessary to provide the seedlings with green manure, essential to provide them with the right amount of iron. Typical garden heathers generally prefer moist environments while fearing drought and high heat. Usually, in fact, they fully develop in the cold season, while they rest in the warm season.
Erica Flower Care
To see the first flower of heather, whether in autumn or spring, we must provide our plant with the necessary care. First of all, it must be watered regularly because the soil must always be moist, however stagnant water can damage the roots. It goes without saying that the soil must therefore be very well drained, possibly with the help of a little sand. If we live in a region with a temperate climate, the heather can also stay in a sunny region; If, on the contrary, we live in a very hot region, then it is preferable to place the heather in the shade or at most in partial shade. At the end of flowering, the plants must be pruned by cutting off a small part of the flowering branches; This operation is preferably done in the spring because many heather specimens produce flowers on the branches of the previous year,
Diseases and reproduction of the flower of Erica
Any flowering heather is very susceptible to the development of mold and fungus, so it is absolutely necessary to ensure that the soil is never wet with water. We must also pay attention to the climate in which our plant lives, because if it is too hot we risk seeing the aerial part dry out, if it is too dry it is easy for the heather to be attacked by pests, such as mites and scale insects, which damage the foliage. In addition, another big problem is chlorosis: if the heather is planted in calcareous soil, there is a risk that the leaves will lose their color until the plant dies, so it is essential to use a potting soil. for acidophilic plants. Heather can be propagated by seed or cuttings. At sowing however, we will never obtain a specimen identical to that of the mother and then often the seeds are not fertile.