Last updated on May 20th, 2023 at 10:49 pm

Erica is also commonly known as Heath and is a genus of 800 flowering plants belonging to the Ericaceae family. Most of the species are native to South Africa.

Ericas are evergreen, and they require very low maintenance. Ericas need sandy, acidic, and light soil. They grow well on cliffs or slopes of mountains. However, some species can grow to be tall trees or bushes. But most remain close to the ground and grow as low shrubs. These beautiful flowering shrubs can be an attractive addition to the garden. The leaves are usually leathery, small, narrow, and mostly needle-shaped. The shapes of the flowers are like bells or tubes.

The genus or scientific name is derived from the Greek word “ereike,” meaning “to break.” This is because some species of Erica were used in an infusion to break up bladder stones.

What does the Erica flower symbolize?

Erica flower meaning can be discovered in Victorian times. It is believed that Queen Victoria popularized the meaning of the Erica flower as good luck because she believed in Scottish traditions and folklore. The other popular belief is that since this flower was scarce, Victorians associated it with good luck.

In the 16th century, a Scottish clan called Clan Ranald associated Erica flowers with good luck and protection. This is because they wore white Erica in their bonnets and believed this made them win the battle.

In Scotland, it is common to include a sprig of white heath in the bride’s bouquet to usher in good luck.

Erica flower’s meaning and symbolism are good fortunes, good luck, protection, wealth, and admiration. Many people believe in carrying an Erica flower always as a lucky charm.

The other significant Erica flower meaning is that it stands for independence and confidence. This is because these shrubs mostly grow in very difficult and hard terrains like slopes of mountains and cliffs. Such terrains are quite hard for any other flowers to grow. 

All in all, the Erica flower symbolic meanings are:

  • protection
  • admiration
  • prosperity
  • wealth
  • good fortune
  • good luck

Meaning of the Erica flower colors

Red color

The red color Erica flower symbolizes admiration. But in ancient times, the color red was associated with blood; thus, many people avoided carrying it to their homes or giving it to someone.

Pink color

The beautiful pink Erica flower is a symbol of romance and passion. These flowers can convey your true feelings towards someone you love and respect.

Purple color

The gorgeous purple Erica flower stands for admiration and beauty. They can be a perfect gift for someone you admire and respect.

White color

The pretty white Erica flowers mean good luck or wishes which come true. White Erica flowers also symbolize protection and purity. It can be used to decorate homes to bring good luck and positive energy. White Erica flowers are also used in wedding arrangements as it stands for purity and innocence. As per legends, wherever Erica flowers blossom, fairies are believed to live nearby.

Yellow color

The yellow Erica flower means joy. It also signifies friendship. A lovely bouquet of yellow Erica flowers can be gifted to friends to spread joy and happiness.

Interesting facts about the Erica flowers

  • Ericas can be planted in hanging baskets, beds, containers, and pots. They look very attractive and act as great ornamental flowers for the garden.
  • Each small Erica flower can have up to thirty seeds.
  • Most species have narrow, small leaves arranged in whorls, with beautiful flowers that look like miniature bells.
  • The flowers have around four or five sepals that form the calyx, and the flower corolla consists of separate petals.
  • The height of most Ericas is between 12 and 20 inches (30 and 50 centimeters) high.
  • Besides the color of the flowers, the foliage can be of different colors: yellow, green, orange, and bronze are all attractive and eye-catching.
  • Ericas have medicinal benefits as well. For centuries some species like Erica manipuliflora, Erica australis, and Erica arborea have been used in folk medicine and infusions. They have antibiotic, antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral properties.

How to grow Erica flowers

Erica plants are quite decorative and look especially nice when planted near conifers, which require similar circumstances. They are frequently planted in big areas that could benefit from a lot of ground cover and color, as they provide a lot of both all year.

  1. Plant Erica in well-drained, rich soil.
  2. Place them in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade.
  3. Water every several days until established and become drought tolerant.
  4. Mulch around the base with bark chips, sugarcane, or pea straw.

How to care for Erica flowers

  1. Water deeply two to three times per week, depending on the weather.
  2. Feed once every 6-8 weeks from spring through mid-autumn.
  3. When the blossoms have faded, softly trim the entire plant.
  4. Remove the withered flowering stems one at a time.

Best time to gift Erica flowers

There is no perfect time to give someone Erica flowers. Flowers can be gifted during any special occasion or day to make someone feel special.

Since Erica flowers stand for good fortune, a vase or a bouquet of Erica flowers can be gifted on birthdays and housewarming ceremonies. If a friend starts his venture or business, then you can give a bouquet of Erica flowers to wish him good luck. This flower is a perfect gift for someone who wants to achieve something in life, as Erica flowers usher in good luck.

Weddings begin a new journey; a bunch of beautiful Erica white flowers can bring good fortune to the new couple.

Erica flower meaning is also protection. You can give a bunch of beautiful yellow Erica flowers to someone who needs protection or someone you care about.

Erica flowers are a sign of admiration. Red and pink Erica flowers can make an excellent gift to show the love of your life how much you admire her. And how much you want them to be a part of your life.

So, when you give Erica flowers, you spread the joy of good luck and fortune to your friends and family.

Conclusion

The shape of an Erica flower could reveal how the plant gets pollinated. Insects carry pollen among ericas with bell-shaped flowers. Small birds called sunbirds pollinate Ericas with long, tubular flowers in Africa. The wind also pollinates some species.

Erica flower is also an attractive addition to the garden all year round with just a bit of care.

A floral arrangement of Erica flowers would be a perfect gift to convey to someone that they have a very strong personality and they can handle any tough situation.

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!