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Heuchera plants are low-growing perennial plants that make a beautifulground coverin the shade.
The tiny flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
They have woody crowns that elongate as the plant matures or die out.
Credit:Getty Images / Gratysanna
Established plants can be rejuvenated by digging and dividing every couple of years.
Often considered a hosta substitute, heuchera plants aredeer and rabbit resistant.
Plant Attributes
Heuchera Care
Usually, heuchera plants are sold as small plants in containers.
They can be planted anytime during the growing season and need to be watered after planting.
Once established, they aredrought tolerant.
These shade plants prefer soil high in organic matter and well drained (think woodsy).
Although the cultivars are bred for the colorful foliage, many do flower.
The small, bell-shaped flowers appear several inches above the foliage in the spring and summer.
These wiry stems should be cut back after flowering.
The plant itself does not need pruning expect for spring when winter may have damaged some foliage.
They tend to heave out of the soil in the winter so they should be mulched for winter protection.
They should be divided every few years.
They make excellentcontainer plants for the summer.
Light
Heuchera plants can be grown in sun or shade, depending on the variety.
Soil
Heuchera like well-drained, moist soil high in organic matter.
They can be planted in clay or sandy soil that has beenamended with compostor other organic matter.
This will improve drainage in clay and help retain moisture in sandy soil.
These plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Water
Water when planting heuchera and do so regularly while the plants are getting established.
Heuchera don’t like wet soil, so only water enough to keep the soil lightly moist.
Water at the base of the plant so the leaves don’t scorch in the sun.
Watering is rarely required in winter and heuchera may not survive the winter in soggy soil.
Cultivars based on Eastern species likeH.
villosaperform well in humid gardens.
If you live at either end of this growing range, check that to check labels before buying.
Fertilizer
Heuchera are light feeders that don’t need a lot of fertilizer.
Types Of Heuchera
There are hundreds cultivars of heuchera on the market with new introductions every year.
villosais an eastern native that tolerates heat and humidity well.
It has a smattering of cream-colored flowers but is not really grown for its flowers.
villosaAutumn Bride which has green foliage andH.
villosaBronze Wave which has dark bronze foliage.
H. americanais a Southeastern native with green, lobed, almost round leaves.
This plant is heat tolerant and mildew resistant.
A popular variety isH.
americanaDales Strain which is about a foot tall with silver-green leaves and red or purple venation.
Pruning
In early spring, the foliage may look ragged.
Clip off the old foliage, taking care not to cut the crown.
New foliage will emerge from the crown.
Flower stalks should be cut off after the flowers fade in the summer.
Many heuchera plants benefit from being divided every three or four years when the crown rises and becomes woody.
Dividing plants can help extend the life of these short-lived perennials.
To divide, lift up the entire plant with a shovel along the perimeter in the spring or fall.
Divide so that each division has a crown with foliage.
There may be small offsets on the plant that you might easily pull apart.
If there is tatty or old foliage, clip it off.
Replant each division in rich, well-draining soil in the ground or a container and water.
The divided plants will require more frequent watering so they don’t dry out while getting established.
Keep in mind that the subsequent generations of cultivars will not come true from seed.
Seeds may be easier to germinate after cold stratification.
Container-grown heuchera will dry out more quickly than plants in the garden and may require more frequent watering.
Fill the bottom with high-quality, well-draining potting mix that includes organic matter.
Lightly tamp down the soil and water.
Overwintering
Heuchera are shallow rooted with woody crowns that tend to get displaced during freezes.
To prevent heaving, mulch the plants for the winter.
Heaved plants can be potted for the rest of the winter and replanted once garden soil is workable.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
The most common insect pests include weevils and foliar nematodes.
Weevil larvae chew the roots and the crown making the plant look wilted.
The adult weevils feed on the foliage, creating notches along the edges.
Insecticides can be used on adults while commercially available nematodes can kill the larvae.
Catching adults on the foliage early improves the chance of saving your plants.
Not much can be done about foliar nematodes, which tunnel into the leaves.
There are several fungi that affect the foliage.
If you rub the leaves, your fingers will turn orange-red.
Stem rot is resulting from a fungal disease and can kill the plant.
It is brought on by moist conditions and/or poor drainage.
Leaves will be discolored and limp and eventually the plant rots and dies.
Move the plant to a place that has better drainage.
Deadheading spent flowers can result in a longer period of blooming.
Provide adequate moisture during long dry spells to keep the plants healthy and encourage flowering.
Don’t over-fertilize the plants, which can cause them to produce more foliage than flowers.
Heuchera can be short-lived and fade away after a few years.
Common Problems With Heuchera
Heuchera plants are considered easy to grow, relatively pest and disease free.
My heuchera looks wilted but I have been watering it.
A plant that cannot take up water can look wilted.
This may be brought on by a fungal disease rotting the roots and/or crown.
Lift the plant, cut off rotted parts and replant in an area with better drainage.
My heuchera leaves look scorched.
The foliage appears burnt, especially the edges of the leaves.
If the plant is getting enough water, it may be in too much sun.
Move the plant to a shadier location.
My heuchera is coming out of the ground.
Heaving occurs in the winter when the soil freezes and thaws and pushes the plant out of the ground.
Prevent heaving by mulching before winter.
The crowns of heuchera plants grow upward with age and may lift the plants slightly from the ground.
If this occurs, it’s good time to divide your heuchera and replant.
The plants should be divided every three or four years to prolong their lifespan.
Heucherella, or foamy bells, is a cross between heuchera and tiarella.
Tiarella is a closely related native shade plant also known as foam flower.
Heucherella plants are slightly more compact than heuchera and more tolerant of shade and moisture.
Heuchera makes a good container plant and can be grown indoors.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.Heuchera.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Horticulture and Home Pest News.Heuchera or coral bells.
