Growing Heuchera for Year-Round Beauty

For those who enjoy year-round color in the garden, Heuchera is a great choice. While these North American natives are evergreen in most climates, they're not all green. In fact, there are numerous varieties that include bronze, purple, and other foliage colors.

Known as either alumroot or coral bells, Heuchera plants are good for use as edging in woodland gardens or they can be grown in containers. Although most make wonderful foliage plants, some are grown for their blooms too. For instance, most of the alumroot varieties provide the best foliage color while the coral bells are most notable for their attractive, bell-shaped flowers. Coral bells are mostly hybrids, which helps contribute to this trait. In alumroot varieties, the flowers are a bit more inconspicuous.

All Heuchera species are easily grown and consist of a mounding growth habit. Most bloom in spring or early summer but there are late-blooming types too. Since these plants grow naturally in woody areas, shady locations or those with filtered sun are the most preferred sites. Heucheras also like somewhat moist, but well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.

These plants can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. When growing Heuchera by seed, allow a cold period of about six weeks. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator or simply sowing them outdoors in early spring while it's still cool. Seeds don't require covering; just sprinkle them on the soil, water or mist, and they will germinate. Division can be performed in spring or fall, pulling apart the offsets and then replanting.

Once established, these plants require little care other than occasional watering. Some people prefer to deadhead the spent blooms. In addition, old, woody growth should be cut in spring. Frost-heaved plants should also be replanted at that time. These hardy plants are fairly resistant to most pest or disease problems.

Both the foliage and flower color depend on the variety grown. American alumroot (H. americana) is one of the most commonly grown for its attractive purple to red foliage and silver overlay. Popular cultivars of this alumroot include 'Chocolate Ruffles'-known for its ruffled leaf edges and deep chocolate color. 'Pewter Moon' has silver foliage edged with purple. For those having a fetish for the dark side of gardening, try 'Velvet Night,' which has dark plum to nearly black foliage, intermingled with silver.

Popular coral bell hybrids (Heuchera x brizoides) that are noteworthy for their blooms include 'Snow Storm' and 'Northern Fire.' The first has nice green foliage splashed with white and pretty pink flowers. The other has striking scarlet blooms amid white variegated foliage.

Sources: personal experience
Perennial for Every Purpose (Larry Hodgson), Heuchera: Perennials for Fabulous Foliage