This isn’t their peak season, but just because they aren’t flowering, doesn’t mean they don’t still have a lot to offer with their foliage. Heuchera bring bright, bold colours and shapes to your border and containers. They are easy to grow, versatile and low maintenance, popular as ground cover and for filling in gaps between taller plants, providing colour virtually all year round. They are evergreen perennials, so a solid choice when you are looking to bring something more permanent in to your outside space.
Heucheras offer a wide choice of vibrant leaf colours – green, grey, deep purple, pink, bronze, or a striking lime. This makes them a great visual in the autumn garden. Most heucheras produce flowers typically beginning in late spring or early summer, so planting them now will bring lovely blooms later on.
Where to plant heucheras
Heucheras thrive in part shade to full shade, making them ideal for planting under trees or in other shady areas of your garden. They can also be grown in containers, but be sure to choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s mature size.
How to plant heucheras
When planting heucheras, be sure to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. Heucheras do not like to sit in wet soil, so it is important to choose a planting site that drains well. Space heucheras 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Caring for heucheras
Heucheras are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do require some regular watering and fertilizing. Water heucheras regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Heucheras benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring and fall.
Deadheading heucheras
Heucheras produce small, bell-shaped flowers in the spring and summer. While the flowers are attractive, they can detract from the beauty of the foliage. To encourage new foliage growth, deadhead spent flowers.
Dividing heucheras
Heucheras can be divided every 3-4 years to maintain their vigor and prevent them from becoming overcrowded. To divide a heuchera, simply dig up the plant and divide it into two or more sections. Replant the divisions immediately.
Heuchera pests and diseases
Heucheras are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to crown rot, which is a fungal disease that can kill the plant. To prevent crown rot, avoid overwatering and plant heucheras in well-drained soil.
