Heuchera adding color to the front of perennial bed
I have become a big fan of heuchera (also called “coral bells” or “alum root”) and I now have quite a few different species growing in my garden. Many varieties are available in our local garden centers and some recent varieties display more prominent blooms. However to my eye it’s the foliage that makes heuchera stand out. They look great planted in the front of the perennial bed and I love how their colorful leaves add interest all season long with their flowers adding even more interest at bloom time. Planted in a group, my heuchera colony even provides a bright focal point when the other perennials are done flowering.
I have had great luck with the old fashioned coral bells and with various purple heuchera plants. Unfortunately I have had less success with the gold and amber colored varieties. Actually the only amber colored version that has done well in my garden is “Carmel” and I have now have two of them that are at least 4 years old so this year I plan to divide them and get more plants.
Planting Information
Most heuchera like to grow in partial shade, but some varieties will actually do better in sun. They like moist and well-drained soil with average to rich fertility. Since we have heavy clay soil, I always dig my planting hole a bit bigger and incorporate some compost into the soil I removed before placing it back around the new plant.
Ongoing Care
Fertilize your heuchera with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring and be sure to water in hot, dry weather for best results. Then every three years or so, or when you notice that the stem is looking woody or blooming diminishes, it is time to divide your heuchera to revitalize the original plant and plant your new babies.
Heucheras have very few pests and diseases, but be sure to give them some room for good air circulation since powdery mildew can be a problem. To prevent your heuchera’s shallow roots from heaving during winter, add a layer of mulch in fall but don’t put the mulch up against the crown of the plant, or it will rot. Instead, pull the mulch back from the crown two to three inches. To promote rebloom, be sure to deadhead when the blooms on your heuchera fade.
Very nice article about a much loved plant.