While most of our landscape plants slumber through the winter, there are a few who thrive during the colder months. For steady, reliable color in the garden, look to Heuchera as a “must-have” easy-going, evergreen perennial.
Commonly referred to as Coral Bells, Heucheras are prized for their bold, colorful foliage in shades of purple, amber, chartreuse, or almost black. With names like ‘Fire Alarm’, ‘Green Spice’, and ‘Obsidian’ they look great when combined with other evergreens and primroses or winter pansies. Many cultivars add to their beauty with delicate blooms in spring and summer in shades of pink and cream that are also attractive to bees and hummingbirds.
Heucheras are excellent perennials for northwest winter gardens and look fantastic when used in containers or planted in the ground. Their mounding habit makes them perfect accents in front of larger shrubs or as border plantings, and their compact nature suits mixed container plantings.
Ideal growing conditions range from sun to shade depending on the cultivar. Many types of Heucheras do fine in hot and dry conditions and are considered to be fairly drought-tolerant once established. In general, the darker the leaf color, the more sun it can tolerate. Very pale or chartreuse cultivars such as ‘Lime Marmalade’ may burn in direct afternoon sun. Just be sure to avoid heavy, waterlogged soils—average soil moisture is best.
Our garden centers are well-stocked with these brilliant plants just waiting for you to come and take one home. Stop in soon to discover which Heuchera is right for you—we guarantee you have the perfect spot for one!