Growing Heuchera (Coral Bells) and x Heucherella (Foamy Bells)
Latin Name Pronunciation: hew-ker-uh/ hew'ker-el-uh
Plants in the North American genus Heuchera are celebrated for their ornamental leaves and sprays of delicate bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer. Plant breeders have crossed new varieties of Heuchera with its close relative, Tiarella (Foam Flower), the resulting hybrids being known as x Heucherella (Foamy Bells). Plants from both genera thrive in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, most preferring partial shade to shield their colorful leaves from sun-scorch. They are remarkably versatile and stand up well to deer and pests while attracting pollinators.
Please note: So plants may properly establish before winter, we recommend early fall planting of Heuchera and x Heucherella in colder zones (Zones 5 and lower).
Light/Watering: These compact plants flower well in full sun to part shade in the North, but need at least afternoon shade in warmer climates. Varieties with vividly colored foliage are best grown in light shade to prevent bleaching. Plants are shallow-rooted and may need regular watering, an inch a week, if there is no rain.
Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Fertile soils rich with organic matter will keep these plants at their best, but good drainage is essential, especially in winter. A pH close to neutral or above is ideal. Side-dress with compost in the spring, or apply a slow-release fertilizer.
Pests/Diseases: Few pests are serious enough to mention; as for diseases, occasionally powdery mildew will appear on the foliage as white or gray patches. Spray with wettable sulfur or other remedy labeled for powdery mildew.
Companions: Both Coral Bells and Foamy Bells are lovely with Ferns, Hosta, Tiarella, Campanulas, Alchemilla, Phlox divaricata and Pulmonaria. Those with silver foliage are especially attractive with blue Hosta, and try playing the more dramatically colored forms against the foliage of woody plants in the border.
Pruning: Shear off old top growth after flowering in late summer to expose fresh foliage. Remove dead leaves over the growing season to keep the lovely foliage looking vibrant.
Reflowering: Remove old flower spikes at the base of the plant to encourage a longer season of bloom.
Dividing/Transplanting: Old clumps may need to be divided in spring every three years. Fall division or transplanting is not recommended as these shallow-rooted plants need a full growing season to become established before winter.
End-of-Season Care: Plants may be heaved out of the ground during freeze-thaw cycles in winter; mulch with salt marsh hay or evergreen boughs in late fall. Make certain the planting area has well-drained soil that does not stay overly wet in winter or plants will perish. Do not prune back; remove dead leaves in the spring.
Calendar of Care - Heuchera and x Heucherella
Early Spring: Apply a light application of balanced or slow-release fertilizer or side-dress with compost and organic amendments. Remove dead leaves as needed and water well if it is unseasonably dry, as plants prefer evenly moist soil. Plant, transplant or divide now. If crowns have been raised up above ground level, add soil rich in humus up to the base of the crowns.
Late Spring: Remove old flower spikes regularly. Watch for powdery mildew and treat if serious; if spotty, simply remove infected leaves. Supplement rainfall with irrigation if needed.
Summer: Groom plants by removing yellow or dead leaves. If foliage has burned or is looking tattered, shear off top growth to expose fresh foliage.
Fall: After the ground is frozen, mulch to protect plants from heaving out of the soil in winter. Do not cut back at this time.
