Plant Badges Growing in Your Garden

[ThistleDown]

Rex,

Many Macphersons still do wear red whortleberry as a plant badge-it has always been "interchangeable" with white heather. I have often seen Cluny wear both red whortleberry and white heather at different events.

I have not worn red whortleberry as a plant badge yet, however I would like to the next time I am in Highland dress. Would a common nursery carry it? Where would you recommend me locating red whortleberry or perhaps an equilavent?

Kind regards,

Yes, Cluny is very considerate -- makes him a good chief. White heather was adopted as an alternate badge by a new Macpherson society in London in the 1930s, I was told by someone who was at the formative meeting. Most likely that was because whortleberry was not available and white heather was, but there are a couple of less believable stories that circulated for a few years.

Vaccinium vitis idaea is available in most large garden centres in Scotland and Canada (although in Scotland most of the plants in private gardens have found their way there from Rothiemurcus or nearby wrapped in a bit of damp newsprint or a tea towel). I think you will find it available in centres where you are but, if not, check with a national mail order firm. There are two leaf sizes, of which the "Minor" is less leggy than the "Major" and better for domestic beds and wearing.

Cheers, Rex