Heather Plants
The Mysterious And Powerful Heather Plant
True heather plants are things of legend and fairy tales, having been put to use for every purpose from curing snake bites to performing fertilization rituals. In true Scottish folklore the gathering places of the heather plant are sacred realms where the fairy world meets with the human domain, and the mysticism gains speed from there. True heather will make itself known through pale pink, purple, or white flowers. The blooms are plentiful and are derived of four sepals and four pedals each. Heather plants bearing white flowers are quite rare, and are therefore considered extremely lucky. The base word for the species name is thought to be heath, which refers to the vast, harsh wastelands on which this hardy, low, evergreen shrub grows.
The blooming of heather across the moorlands of England, Scotland, and Ireland is considered as a blessing, bringing beauty and life to the countryside where once the feeling was hopelessly cold and barren. The medicinal uses for the heather plant are plentiful, and greatly documented since as far back as the 12th century. The burning of heather plants before the blooming season has been performed by the Scots as an aid to fertilize both their crop lands and their cattle.
Calling on the gods was not the only use for this mystical plant, as there were a great many practical medical uses for the oils and serums derived of the heather plant. Such charges as the prevention of organ stones, the subsidence of consumption and fever, the curing of infections particularly having to do with the eyes, and the healing of poisonous bites and stings were laid upon the heather plant, and for centuries it seemed to have risen to the challenge. To this day the addition of heather blooms to a bridal bouquet is a sign of good luck, longevity, and fertility.
Most heather plants available for landscaping and home garden enjoyment in North America are hybrids at least, if not mock heather which bears no relation to the true moor dwelling evergreen shrub. Mexican heather, though beautiful and quite popular in its own right, is in no way related to true heather plants. There are heather plants available through catalog stores, but be sure that yours is a reputable company before paying good money. Shipping can wreak havoc on any plant when done improperly, so be sure to research your greenhouse source before ordering. Caring for heather is not too difficult; just be sure that the soil remains damp but not wet and that sun exposure is high. Cloudiness and rain don’t seem to bother the heather plant, but shade from trees and houses may hinder its growth and blooming cycle.