Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
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Position
Partial shade, especially afternoon shade.
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Frost tolerant
Yes, heuchera is a hardy perennial. Well-rooted plants are hardy to -30°F (-34°C).
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Feeding
Drench with a liquid organic fertilizer when plants begin to produce new leaves in spring. Feed again in late summer to nourish the dramatic foliage.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Potted plants of improved varieties are widely available in spring. Set out plants as early as possible, while the soil is still cool. Spread the roots with your fingers, and take care not to bury the crown, which can lead to rotting. Where winters are mild, heucheras also can be planted in early fall. Young plants need water when they are actively growing. A surface mulch suppresses weeds while making the plants look more attractive.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Heucheras are descended from North American native plants, and they are among the prettiest perennials for partial shade. The plants produce sprays of flowers in spring, but heucheras are primarily grown for their colorful foliage, which persists through winter in mild climates. Leaf color varies from lime green to deep burgundy, depending on cultivar. Heucheras have been hybridized with tiarella (foamflower) to produce heucherellas, which can accept more shade than most heucheras.
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Harvesting
Heuchera flowers can be used in cut arrangements, and picking early flowers may prolong bloom time. When flowering ends, prune off old stems to better view the heuchera foliage.
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Troubleshooting
Leaf scorch can occur in hot, dry weather, especially when plants are exposed to afternoon sun. Occasional diseases include powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot.
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