How To Grow And Care For Heuchera

Heuchera plants are low-growing perennial plants that make a beautiful ground cover in the shade. There are more than 50 species native to North America and hundreds of cultivars that have bred extensively for a wide spectrum of foliage colors: light green, chartreuse, silver, bronze, orange-red, purple, and very dark purple-black. These cultivars are not grown for their flowers but many do produce a mass of airy small, coral-colored flowers that bloom high above the foliage in the spring and summer. The tiny flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Though easy to grow, heuchera plants are short-lived perennials that only last a few years and spread very slowly. They have woody crowns that elongate as the plant matures or die out. Therefore, the plant becomes more prone to drying out or heaving (being displaced during freeze and thaws in the winter). Established plants can be rejuvenated by digging and dividing every couple of years.

Heuchera plants are evergreen in mild climates and can be planted throughout the year as long as the soil can be worked, but spring and fall are the best times to plant. Often considered a hosta substitute, heuchera plants are deer and rabbit resistant.

Plant Attributes

Heuchera Care

Usually, heuchera plants are sold as small plants in containers. They can be planted anytime during the growing season and need to be watered after planting. Once established, they are drought tolerant. These shade plants prefer soil high in organic matter and well drained (think woodsy). They are not heavy feeders but could benefit from a spring application of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Although the cultivars are bred for the colorful foliage, many do flower. The small, bell-shaped flowers appear several inches above the foliage in the spring and summer. These wiry stems should be cut back after flowering. The plant itself does not need pruning expect for spring when winter may have damaged some foliage. They tend to heave out of the soil in the winter so they should be mulched for winter protection. They should be divided every few years. They make excellent container plants for the summer. 

Light

Heuchera plants can be grown in sun or shade, depending on the variety. Some will develop their best color in direct sunlight, but in the South, hot afternoon sun can scorch heuchera leaves. As a general rule, most do well in a lightly shaded garden or with direct sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon.

Soil

Heuchera like well-drained, moist soil high in organic matter. They can be planted in clay or sandy soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter. This will improve drainage in clay and help retain moisture in sandy soil. These plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Water

Water when planting heuchera and do so regularly while the plants are getting established. Heuchera don't like wet soil, so only water enough to keep the soil lightly moist. Heuchera can be drought tolerant once established, but it's a good idea to give them a deep watering every few days during long, hot, dry spells or when you notice the leaves wilting or curling up. Water at the base of the plant so the leaves don't scorch in the sun. Watering is rarely required in winter and heuchera may not survive the winter in soggy soil.

Temperature and Humidity

Heuchera have a reputation for disliking hot, humid summers, but plant breeders have worked to develop varieties for the humid Southeast. Cultivars based on Eastern species like H. americana and H. villosa perform well in humid gardens. You can find heucheras that are suitable for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, but many have a more limited range of Zones 4 to 8. If you live at either end of this growing range, make sure to check labels before buying.

Fertilizer

Heuchera are light feeders that don't need a lot of fertilizer. Although it is not necessary to fertilize, you can apply a thin layer of fresh compost or a light sprinkling of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. 

Types Of Heuchera

There are hundreds cultivars of heuchera on the market with new introductions every year. The spectrum of foliage color keeps expanding so you could pick the color of your choice for your garden or container. For the South, here are our top cultivar picks:

• 'Citronelle': A vigorous chartreuse heuchera with white flowers and color that does not fade in the summer. Plant in shade or part sun in Zones 4-8.
• 'Color Dream': Silver leaves have dark green veins and burgundy undersides. Grow in shade or part sun in Zones 4-8.
• 'Caramel': Peach and amber leaves have reddish undersides and are topped with white flowers. This heat-tolerant variety can be grown in Zone 9 and takes more sun.
• 'Southern Comfort': This variety has large, warm cinnamon-peach leaves and creamy white flowers and can also be grown in Zone 9. It does best in partial or full shade.
• 'Spellbound': Dark silver leaves with dark purple veins, purple-tinged edges, and purple undersides. Plants look more silver in the shade, and more purple in spring and fall. Grows in Zones 4-9.
• 'Smoke and Mirrors': Deep plum foliage is washed in pewter gray and topped with contrasting pink flowers. This heat-tolerant variety can be grown in Zones 4-9.

In addition, there are two species that will perform well in the South. H. villosa is an eastern native that tolerates heat and humidity well. It is a relatively large plant, about 2 feet tall, with large hairy green leaves similar to maple leaves. It has a smattering of cream-colored flowers but is not really grown for its flowers. Popular varieties are H. villosa ‘Autumn Bride’ which has green foliage and H. villosa ‘Bronze Wave’ which has dark bronze foliage.

H. americana is a Southeastern native with green, lobed, almost round leaves. This plant is heat tolerant and mildew resistant. A popular variety is H. americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ which is about a foot tall with silver-green leaves and red or purple venation.

Pruning

In early spring, the foliage may look ragged. Clip off the old foliage, taking care not to cut the crown. New foliage will emerge from the crown.  Flower stalks should be cut off after the flowers fade in the summer. 

Propagating Heuchera

Heuchera plants can be propagated by division, but be aware that patent-protected cultivars cannot be propagated. Many heuchera plants benefit from being divided every three or four years when the crown rises and becomes woody. Dividing plants can help extend the life of these short-lived perennials.

To divide, lift up the entire plant with a shovel along the perimeter in the spring or fall. Divide so that each division has a crown with foliage. There may be small offsets on the plant that you can easily pull apart. If there is tatty or old foliage, clip it off. Replant each division in rich, well-draining soil in the ground or a container and water. The divided plants will require more frequent watering so they don't dry out while getting established.

How To Grow Heuchera From Seed

There are a few varieties that can be sown by seed such as H. americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ and H. villosa ‘Autumn Bride’. Seed from established plants also can be collected by collecting the seed pods when they are brown and split open. Keep in mind that the subsequent generations of cultivars will not come true from seed.

Seeds may be easier to germinate after cold stratification. Sow seed outdoors by sprinkling on the soil in late fall or early spring, pressing seeds lightly to make contact with the soil, and watering well. Or, start seeds indoors under lights about six weeks before the last frost following these steps:

1. Store seed in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks to expose them to cold temperatures.
2. Fill a seed tray with seed starting mix, watering to moisten.
3. Sprinkle seeds over top of the seed-starting mix and lightly press them into the soil.
4. Place the tray in a warm spot (preferably 65-70° F) under grow lights or in bright, indirect light. Keep soil consistently moist. Seeds should germinate in three to four weeks.
5. Once all danger of frost has passed, harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to sunlight and outdoor temperatures. Then transplant them in the garden.

Potting And Repotting Heuchera

Heucheras are commonly used in containers for their foliage color in the summer, but they may not be winter hardy in the container. In Zones 6 and 7, the plants should be taken out of the container and planted in the ground before winter. In Zones 8 and 9, they may survive in the container over the winter depending on the container size. Container-grown heuchera will dry out more quickly than plants in the garden and may require more frequent watering.

Choose a container with a drainage hole that is a couple of inches wider than the pot the plant came in. Or, create a mixed container with an interesting array of foliage, choosing a pot that allows a couple of inches of spacing between all plants. Fill the bottom with high-quality, well-draining potting mix that includes organic matter. Place the plant so that the rootball is level with the soil surface, then fill in around the plant. Lightly tamp down the soil and water.

Overwintering

Heuchera are shallow rooted with woody crowns that tend to get displaced during freezes. To prevent heaving, mulch the plants for the winter. Heaved plants can be potted for the rest of the winter and replanted once garden soil is workable.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

The most common insect pests include weevils and foliar nematodes. Weevil larvae chew the roots and the crown making the plant look wilted. The adult weevils feed on the foliage, creating notches along the edges. Insecticides can be used on adults while commercially available nematodes can kill the larvae. Catching adults on the foliage early improves the chance of saving your plants. Not much can be done about foliar nematodes, which tunnel into the leaves.

There are several fungi that affect the foliage. There are some that cause spots and some such as powdery mildew that coat the foliage with a white or gray powder. Rust is characterized by small spots on the upper surface of the leaves and raised eruptions on the lower surface. If you rub the leaves, your fingers will turn orange-red. For these fungal diseases, you can apply a fungicide; increase air circulation; water in the morning, not at night; and water the plant directly, not with an overhead sprinkler.

Stem rot is caused by a fungal disease and can kill the plant. It is caused by moist conditions and/or poor drainage. Leaves will be discolored and limp and eventually the plant rots and dies. Move the plant to a place that has better drainage. 

How To Get Heuchera To Bloom

Most heucheras produce wiry stalks with small red, pink, or white bell-shaped flowers in late spring and summer. Deadheading spent flowers can result in a longer period of blooming. Provide adequate moisture during long dry spells to keep the plants healthy and encourage flowering. Don't over-fertilize the plants, which can cause them to produce more foliage than flowers. Heuchera can be short-lived and fade away after a few years.

Common Problems With Heuchera

Heuchera plants are considered easy to grow, relatively pest and disease free. If there is an issue it is likely due to too much moisture, either in the ground or in the atmosphere. 

My heuchera looks wilted but I have been watering it.

A plant that cannot take up water can look wilted. This may be caused by a fungal disease rotting the roots and/or crown. Lift the plant, cut off rotted parts and replant in an area with better drainage. 

My heuchera leaves look scorched.

The foliage appears burnt, especially the edges of the leaves. If the plant is getting enough water, it may be in too much sun. Move the plant to a shadier location. 

My heuchera is coming out of the ground.

Heaving occurs in the winter when the soil freezes and thaws and pushes the plant out of the ground. Keep an eye on the plant so you can replant it if this occurs (plant it in a container for the rest of the season if soil is unworkable). Prevent heaving by mulching before winter. 

The crowns of heuchera plants grow upward with age and may lift the plants slightly from the ground. If this occurs, it's good time to divide your heuchera and replant.