Hardy and a good plant for part shade, Heuchera’s will grow well in the garden as well as in hanging baskets. Some do like more sun than others so choose wisely and they will thrive with little care.
Although we mainly see cultivars for sale, species such as H. ‘citronelle’ will actually grow and flower in fairly deep shade.
Part of the Saxifragaceae family and with a large number of species available Heuchera perform a useful task and are easy to care for in the garden. Heuchera have colorful foliage and are heavy flowering.
Best described as a ‘clumping perennial’ all varieties do well in the border or in a pot as a specimen plant and are great plants for edges and borders. Heuchera ‘Amethyst Myst’ (picture right) is loved for the burgundy foliage.
Growing Heuchera
Easily grown in full sun or light shade, in a humus rich, well-drained soil.
Some protection from hot afternoon sun is desirable. Deadhead after flowering to promote a second flush of flowering.
Heuchera make neat clumps with attractive foliage and provide an ongoing display of flowers.
Consider planting in the rock garden or perennial border, or perhaps in a pot as a specimen.
Care
Evergreen in all but the coldest climates Heuchera are really an easy care plant. Given a humus rich well drained soil, moisture during summer and mulch to maintain a cool root run little maintenance is required.
Some gardeners like to divide and replant every year or two to maintain freshness and vigorous growth. Division is best carried out in autumn or late winter.
Heuchera Varieties and cultivars
Look for the new hybrids including
- Heuchera ‘Raspberry Regal’ makes a good cut flower.
- Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’,
- Heuchera, ‘Chocolate Ruffles’,
- H. ‘Plum Pudding’
- H. ‘Firefly’.
- H. sanguinea.
- H. villosa.
- H. americana ‘Green Spice’ and “Berry smoothie’ are also worth looking for.
Heuchera plants are available for sale from the following growers
Large range of Rare, Unusual and Old Fashioned Perennials. Includes Artemisias, Achilleas, Geraniums, Geums, Salvias, Penstemon and Francoa.
www.yellowhouseheritageperennials.com.au
1070 Jacksons Track, Jindivick 3818
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au
862 Midland Highway Mount Rowan Vic 3352
We offer over 245 varieties of Fuchsia, tubestock, pots, baskets and standards. Mail order specialists. Open 7 days by appointment.
www.brenlissaonlinenursery.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au