Heuchera; is a hardy herbaceous perennial, and is a member of the Saxifrage family.
It can be used to provide edging for borders, ground cover beneath deciduous trees, and decorative cut flowers.
Many growers grow heuchera for the various foliage colours that are available, rather than for their coral white or pink flowers.
|
|
Heuchera generally grow to a height of 200-500mm (8”-18”), and carry 150-200mm (6”-8”) panicles of tiny coral, white or
pink bell-shaped flowers from June to September.
Plants need rich soil, use commercial potting soil if growing in containers, and compost/manure enriched soil if growing in the border.
They need to be kept moist but not over-wet, Water regularly in dry seasons, mulch if necessary.
They prefer partial shade, although they will tolerate full sun providing they are watered regularly.
Note;If they get too dry, they may develop leaf scorch and die back.
Remove the stems after flowering.
Cultivation;
Week 7; Sow seeds in pots or trays of seed compost, and germinate at around 20°C (68°F)
Germination should take around 10 days.
Week 12; When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them off into boxes, later into a nursery bed.
Week 15; Divide established plants now if not done the previous autumn.
Thin out the woody centres of the plant clusters and discard, and transplant the younger peripheral shoots.
Plant to the same depth as they were before lifting!
This task should be carried out every three to four years.
Week 16; Now is a good time to apply mulch which will help to prevent the root system pushing the plant out of the soil.
Week 40; Plant out in light, well-drained soil 250-300mm (10”-12”) apart, between now and April in either a sunny or partially shaded position.
Established plants can be divided now as an alternative to spring division.
