Heucheras are a perennial plant grown most often for their striking, long lasting, colourful foliage. Also known as Coral Bells or Alum Root, they are an excellent addition to the garden or container. Heucheras are available in many colours ranging from near-purple black to stunning lemon-gold. There are a 40+ species, all of which are native to the Americas. In this post, we'll introduce you to the basics of growing heucheras as well as showcase 9 of our favourites for 2015.
How to Grow Heucheras
Heucheras are a perennial plant predominantly hardy in zones 4-9. They generally prefer shade to part shade, but some varieties will tolerate full sun. Too much sun will cause leaf scorch or colour fade. All appreciate moist, but well drained soils.
Most Heucheras bloom on tall spikes in late spring or summer, but the flowers are somewhat insignificant. Some gardeners prefer to cut back the flowers, but they are known to attract hummingbirds to the garden. Cutting back the flowers will redirect more energy into leaf production, so it’s your call! Heucheras can be divided every 3-5 years to keep them looking fresh and to avoid them dying out in the center. While they are hardy in our area, a layer of protective mulch will help them survive any extreme weather conditions. Prune away dead or withered leaves in early spring.
So without further ado… here are our 9 Heavenly Heucheras for Fall 2015.
Dolce Key Lime Pie Coral Bells
Heuchera Dolce ‘Key Lime Pie’
Key Lime Pie is part of the Dolce series of Heucheras and offers attention getting lime-green foliage. Works best as a contrast to darker toned plants. Insignificant flowers are borne in spring and early summer. Flowers can be trimmed to maintain appearance. Use at the front of beds, as edging or in containers. Grows to 14 inches in spread. Excellent when combined with Hostas, Athyriums and Impatiens. Best grown in shade to part shade. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
Grape Soda Coral Bells
Heuchera ‘Grape Soda’
Grape Soda Heuchera features rose pink leaves followed by lovely purple pink flowers. Summer leaves are purple burnished with silver. Delivers wonderful vigor and crown. Grows to 12 inches in height and 15 inches in spread. Tolerates sun but best in part shade. Hardy to USDA zones 4-9
Paprika Coral Bells
Heuchera ‘Paprika’
Heuchera ‘Paprika’ is an outstanding selection with gently-lobed, paprika red coloured leaves with stems of white bell-shaped flower sprays that appear in spring. They are wonderful in the front of the border, in rock gardens and in mixed containers. Originally introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries in 2012. Prefers part shade but will tolerate the sun. Grows 6-8 inches in height and 12-16 inches across. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Hercules Coral Bells
Heuchera ‘Hercules’
Hercules offers eye catching variegated foliage in mottled shades of green and white. Mounded growth habit grows to a maximum height of 8-10 inches. Best grown in shade to part shade. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Vulcano Coral Bells
Heuchera ‘Vulcano’
Vulcano Heuchera has beautiful amber coloured leaves with a silver overlay and dark border. Sprays of pink bell shaped flowers appear in summer. Excellent in the border, for edging and in tubs and mixed containers. Tidy up in spring by removing any withered or tired looking leaves. Grows 81- inchesin height and 10-16 inches across. Best grown in moist, but well drained soil in the shade to part shade. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
Berry Smoothie Coral Bells
Heuchera ‘Berry Smoothie’
Berry Smoothie is a big bold plant with rose-pink spring foliage turning burgundy for the rest of the year. It’s a delicious hybrid blend of heat loving Heuchera villosa and cold tolerant Heuchera Americana. Grows to 18 inches in height and 20 inches in spread. Best when planted in part shade to shade. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
Champagne Coral Bells
Heuchera ‘Champagne’
Heuchera ‘Champagne’ is a stunning perennial plant with medium sized leaves changing from peach to gold to champagne-gold with a strong white veil overall. Free-flowering maroon stems with light peach flowers are visible most of the season. Best in shade to part shade and grown in moist, but well drained soil. Excellent in gardens and containers. Grows to a height of 11 inches and up to 14 inches across. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
Red Lightning Coral Bells
Heuchera ‘Red Lightning’
Red Lightning Heuchera is a villosa hybrid with large, gold leaves and long-lasting dark red veins. It draws your attention from across the garden and works well in borders and mixed containers. Best grown in moist, but well drained soils in the shade to part shade. Grows to a height of 11 inches and up to 16 inches across. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
If you are interested in adding these Heucheras to your garden or planters, drop by Art's Nursery and we'll help you make the best selections. As always, call ahead to confirm availability if you are making a special trip out to see us.