Heuchera thrive on 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, however you should check each cultivar to learn about its preferred conditions. Besides traditional green-leaved coral bells, new varieties of heuchera have leaves in shades of … Whatever you call these beautiful flowers, they are easy to grow and add beauty and color to both shady and sunny growing areas. The planting medium should be humus rich and evenly moist and, most importantly, well draining; the plants can die if they get waterlogged. Good drainage is a must, especially in shaded areas. Even a desiccated plant will surprise you by perking up soon after a watering. Then the revolution in colour foliage breeding came along and we now have Heucheras in almost every colour of the rainbow! 12 to 36 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, Hardy Chrysanthemum (Garden Mum) Plant Profile. Don't cover the seed, as they need light to germinate. Most Heuchera will grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9 and thrive in that middle ground of zone 5-7. Heucherella and heuchera are both North American natives and both are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. Heuchera are native North American plants that are at home in woodlands, rock gardens, containers, and borders. If the leaves get a bit ragged looking, especially after winter, cut them back and new growth should fill in quickly. Heuchera ‘Cajun Fire’ Heuchera ‘Champagne’ Heuchera ‘Cherry Cola’ Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ Heuchera ‘Cinnabar Silver’ Heuchera ‘Creme Brule’ Heuchera ‘Delta Dawn’ Heuchera ‘Electra’ Heuchera ‘Electric Lime’ Heuchera ‘Fire Alarm’ Heuchera ‘Fire Chief’ Heuchera ‘Galaxy’ Heuchera … You can also start the seeds indoors, a couple of months before you plan to transplant. Coral bells (Heuchera) is a traditional foliage plant that has had many newer varieties. Recently, plant breeders have twisted the emphasis around to the foliage. Heucheras prefer part shade conditions in New Zealand, growing best when protected from afternoon sun. Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener. In cold areas, coral bells crowns can heave above the soil line in the winter. The latest of these plants are bred for tolerance to humidity so Northern gardeners in New Zealand can enjoy them with success and confidence. Seeds take two to eight weeks to germinate. Barb Pierson, Nursery Manager at White Flower Farm, describes how to grow Heuchera, commonly called Coral Bells. Heuchera is resistant to deer and most insect pests, though heuchera rust can be a problem in humid conditions at temperatures of 45 to 50 degrees F. The remedy is an antifungal spray containing copper. In the event this happens, apply a light layer of soil to cover the crown of the plant. • Interesting range of colours and foliage markings. I’ve seen Heuchera in upstate New York look as happy and healthy as the plants in Florida and Texas! Plant container-grown coral bells any time after frost. The leaves are heavily ruffled in a deep purple-bronze with a slight silver sheen. Heuchera's shallow roots will need extra moisture during hot, sunny days. Heuchera are hardy plants that survive punishing winters as far north as USDA plant hardiness zone 4, but they need a little help from you when temperatures drop below the freezing mark. How to grow Heuchera “Lime Marmalade” “Lime Marmalade” is an herbaceous perennial grown for its interestingly coloured foliage which is a bright, lime green colour. However, some are capable of growing as far north as zone 3 or as far south as zone 11. Their leaves are rounded, lobed, hairy, and evergreeneven when covered in snow. In spring, the leaves emerge cinnamon-peach but mature to burnished copper and eventually to amber. Other than that, they shouldn't require more than some relief from the extreme heat and rich, well-draining soil. Patricia Rockwood has been a professional copy editor and writer for more than 25 years. Strip off old or dead leaves and replant in the same type of growing medium, covering the crown. The clumps show the old plant roots as well as new rhizomes and fresh leaf shoots; separate clumps so each new plant has some healthy roots. Plant Heucheras slightly raised to avoid waterlogging in winter. Heuchera grows in rounded clumps 8 to 12 inches high and about 18 inches wide. The importance of drainage is paramount to happy plants! It likes shade and semi-shade best, but some varieties will grow in full sun. Butterscotch-colored leaves can bring out the tones of simple green leaves. Heuchera grows in a wide variety of habitats in its native North America, from the salty shores of California to arid Arizona and New Mexico. (Follow directions on the fertilizer's label.). 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