Height:

8.0-10.0 Inches

Spread:

16.0-20.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Foliage Color:

Near-black shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Bee Friendly

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen Fall Color

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Formal Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Foliage Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Native to North America

Heucheras are easy perennials to grow and fit nicely in the front of any border, rock garden, or container. They grow most vigorously and have the stongest colors when grown in partial shade (preferably afternoon shade). They can also be grown in full shade but their growth rate will be very slow. Some varieties can withstand full sun in northern climates if they have consistant moisture, but their colors tend to fade with the intensity of the sun. The soil should be amended with organic matter prior to planting. It should also have good drainage and a neutral pH.

Heucheras are evergreen in areas with mild winters. If properly sited out of the way of winter winds and with reliable snow cover, gardeners in northern regions may also find their heucheras acting as evergreens. If the plant looks tattered by early spring, shear off any damaged leaves to make room for the vibrant new foliage which will fill in quickly.

Heucheras can be grown under Black Walnut trees because they are resistant to the toxin Juglone which the trees emit from their roots.

Heucheras are also salt tolerant. They are useful in the north along pathways which are salted in winter or for people gardening in coastal regions. Occasionally in northern regions, heucheras have a tendancy to heave out of the ground because of the freeze/thaw cycle. To combat heaving, add an extra layer of compost around the plant's roots in the fall. In the spring, if the plants have heaved at all, the new roots will grow into the fresh new layer of compost.

Growing Temperature:

60-65° F

Holding Temperature:

50-60° F

Soil PH:

5.5-6.2

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Heuchera are moderate feeders. Growers using water-soluble fertilizers either apply 150-200 ppm nitrogen as needed or feed with a constant liquid fertilization program using rates of 50-100 ppm nitrogen with every irrigation. Alternatively, a controlled release fertilizer at a rate equivalent to one pound of nitrogen per cubic yard of growing media may be used. This may be incorporated into the soil prior to planting or used as a top dressing onto the soil medium surface.

Vernalization:

Vernalization is beneficial for all varieties for flower performance, and some varieties do require it to flower. Provide 8 to 10 weeks of temperatures below 40° F.

Pests & Diseases:

The primary disease to watch for is Rhizoctonia crown rot. Botrytis is another disease that could become problematic. Botrytis, like Rhizoctonia, often occurs during the overwintering process but is also likely to occur under dense plant canopies. Other observed diseases include Pythium, Phytopthora, powdery mildew, rust and leaf spots. Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas will appear as reddish-brown spots that may cause the leaf to distort, and Xanthomonas takes the appearance of small, brown, angular to circular spots with yellow halos. With good watering practices and adequate air circulation, the occurrence of most diseases can almost be negated.

Potting & Timing:

Plant in a well-drained soilless media.

Moisture:

Heuchera prefer average moisture levels. They do not tolerate overly wet or overly dry conditions. Under high light intensities, marginal leaf burn may occur if the plants become water stressed.
Do not allow to dry out between waterings. When irrigation is necessary, water them thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Planting Level:

Plant plug even with the soil surface.

PGRs/Pinching:

Remove flowers until plants reach desired size. PGRs are not nessesary if grown under proper conditions and spacing, but 5-10 ppm uniconazole (Sumagic/Concise) may be used to tone.

Lighting:

Provide 30 - 50% shade in the north and 50 - 70% shade in the south.