15 Popular Types Of Heuchera Pictorial Guide

Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells or Alumroot, is a genus of plants that belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. This genus comprises about 70 species of herbaceous perennials that are native to North America. Heucheras are popular ornamental plants, prized for their striking foliage and delicate flowers.

Appearance and Characteristics

Heucheras are generally small to medium-sized plants, reaching up to 1-2 feet in height and spreading up to 1-3 feet wide. They have attractive evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage that forms clumps or rosettes, often with shades of green, purple, silver, bronze, or pink. The leaves are usually heart-shaped, lobed, or scalloped, and they often have contrasting veining or variegation.

The flowers of Heucheras are typically small and bell-shaped, arranged in spikes or panicles that rise above the foliage. They appear in late spring or early summer and may last for several weeks, attracting bees and butterflies. The flower colors vary according to the species or cultivar, ranging from white, pink, red, or coral to yellow, green, or brown.

Growing Heuchera

Heucheras are easy to grow and maintain, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. They prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic, with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. They thrive in partial shade to full sun, depending on the climate and the cultivar. In general, they prefer cooler temperatures and some protection from the hot afternoon sun.

Heucheras are relatively drought-tolerant, but they require regular watering during their active growth period. They benefit from mulching around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds. They may also benefit from periodic fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Propagation of Heuchera can be done by division, seeds, or cuttings. Division is the most common method, done in early spring or fall when the plant is dormant or after flowering. Seeds can be sown indoors in early spring, but they may take several months to germinate. Cuttings can be taken from the stems or roots in early summer and rooted in a well-draining soil mix.

Uses of Heuchera

Heucheras are popular ornamental plants for gardens, borders, rockeries, and containers. They add color and texture to any landscape, and they complement other plants such as ferns, hostas, or grasses. They are also attractive to wildlife, such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Some Heuchera species and cultivars have medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as coughs, sore throats, and wounds. However, their medicinal use should be done with caution, as some species may contain toxic compounds.

In conclusion, Heucheras are versatile and attractive plants that offer many benefits to gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. They are easy to grow and propagate, and they add color and interest to any garden. With their wide range of foliage colors and flower forms, Heucheras are sure to appeal to any gardener’s taste.

Here are 15 Popular Types Of Heuchera Pictorial Guide:

Heuchera Sanguinea

Heuchera Sanguinea, also known as Coral Bells or Alumroot, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It typically grows in clumps with lobed, evergreen leaves and produces delicate spikes of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. It is a popular ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes, particularly for its colorful foliage and long-lasting blooms.

Heuchera Rubescens

Heuchera Rubescens is a species of perennial flowering plant in the saxifrage family, native to western North America. It is commonly known as pink alumroot due to its rosettes of pink-tinted leaves and tall, spiky stems of pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It prefers well-drained soils in partial shade to full sun and is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.

Heuchera Pulchella

Heuchera Pulchella is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family, native to the southeastern United States. It is commonly known as the beautiful alumroot and is appreciated for its attractive foliage and delicate pink flowers. The plant typically grows in rocky woodlands and along stream banks and is often used in gardens and landscaping for its ornamental value.

Heuchera Pilosissima

Heuchera Pilosissima is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family, native to the western United States. It is a perennial herb with hairy leaves and stems that produces spikes of tiny, pinkish-white flowers in the summer. It is commonly known as “hairy alumroot” and is often grown in gardens as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage.

Heuchera Parvifolia

Heuchera Parvifolia, commonly known as littleleaf alumroot or small-leaved Coral Bells, is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family. It is native to the western United States and is known for its attractive foliage, which forms dense rosettes of small, lobed leaves. In the spring and summer, it produces tall, slender stalks topped with clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or red. Heuchera Parvifolia is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes and is often used in borders, rock gardens, and container plantings.

Heuchera Parishii

Heuchera Parishii is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family, native to California and Baja California. It is a small, herbaceous perennial with a rosette of leaves and delicate, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, lavender, or white on tall, slender stems. It is commonly known as Parish’s alumroot and is often used in rock gardens or as a ground cover.

Heuchera Micromeris

Heuchera Micromeris is a small perennial plant species that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is commonly known as the tiny Alumroot and is native to the southwestern United States. This species has small basal leaves with lobed edges and produces a tall, slender stalk with tiny pink flowers in the spring. It thrives in dry, rocky soils and is often used in xeriscaping or rock gardens.

Heuchera Micrantha

Heuchera Micrantha is a species of herbaceous perennial plant in the family Saxifragaceae. It is native to western North America and is commonly known as small-flowered alumroot or crevice alumroot. The plant has attractive foliage with lobed leaves in shades of green, purple, and bronze, and produces small pink or white flowers on long stems in the summer. It is a popular garden plant for its ornamental value and ability to thrive in various growing conditions.

Heuchera Maxima

Heuchera Maxima is a species of perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to rocky slopes and canyons in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States. The plant produces large basal leaves with rounded lobes and tall spikes of pink or white flowers in the summer. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive foliage and flowers.

Heuchera Hirsutissima

Heuchera Hirsutissima is a species of herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. Commonly known as the hairy alumroot, it is native to western North America, specifically the mountainous regions of California, Nevada, and Oregon. It has hairy, lobed leaves and produces delicate, pinkish-white flowers on tall, slender stems. This species is often used in gardens for its ornamental value and ability to tolerate dry, rocky soil conditions.

Heuchera Elegans

Heuchera Elegans is a species of herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It is commonly known as the “pink alumroot” due to its delicate pink flowers that bloom on tall stems above its foliage. The leaves of this species are large and showy, with a distinctive scalloped edge and a blue-green color that deepens in the colder months. It is a popular ornamental plant, often used in gardens and landscaping for its attractive foliage and long-lasting blooms.

Heuchera Chlorantha

Heuchera Chlorantha, also known as Green-flowered Alumroot, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It typically grows up to 30 cm tall and has rounded, lobed leaves with serrated edges. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and appear on tall, slender stems in late spring to early summer. Heuchera chlorantha is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, prized for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.

Heuchera Carnea

Heuchera Carnea, commonly known as “Alumroot” or “Coral Bells,” is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the western United States. It typically grows in clumps of basal leaves, with small, bell-shaped flowers rising on slender stems above the foliage. The flowers vary in color from pale pink to deep rose and bloom in late spring to early summer. This species is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.

Heuchera Americana

Heuchera Americana, commonly known as American Alumroot, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It typically grows in moist, rocky soils and produces attractive basal foliage in shades of green, purple, or red. In early summer, it also produces small, delicate flowers on tall stems. The plant is commonly used in garden landscaping for its aesthetic qualities and ability to attract pollinators. It is also sometimes used for medicinal purposes in traditional Native American medicine.

Heuchera Alba

Heuchera Alba is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It belongs to the Saxifrage family and is commonly known as White alumroot. It has basal leaves that are evergreen and a rosette of leaves at the base of the plant. Its white flowers bloom on tall spikes in the spring and summer months. It prefers well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun exposure. It is commonly used in rock gardens, border plantings, and as a ground cover.

How To Grow And Care For Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, is a popular perennial plant that is prized for its colorful foliage and small, delicate flowers. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for Heuchera:

• Choose the right location: Heuchera prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, although some varieties can tolerate full sun. To avoid illness, make sure the area you chose has excellent airflow.

• Plant at the right time: Heuchera can be planted in the spring or fall, but avoid planting during the hottest months of summer.

• Water regularly: Heuchera likes consistently moist soil, so make sure to water regularly during dry periods. However, be careful not to overwater, as Heuchera can be susceptible to root rot.

• Fertilize occasionally: Heuchera doesn’t require heavy fertilization, but a light application of fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth.

• Prune as needed: Heuchera doesn’t require heavy pruning, but you can trim back any dead or damaged foliage in the spring. You can also remove any spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

• Watch for pests and disease: Heuchera can be susceptible to pests like aphids and mites, as well as diseases like powdery mildew. Watch for any signs of damage or disease and treat as needed.

• Divide every few years: Heuchera can become crowded over time, so it’s a good idea to divide the plants every three to four years to promote healthy growth.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the colorful foliage and delicate flowers of Heuchera in your garden for years to come.

How To Propagate Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a popular perennial plant that is often grown for its attractive foliage and showy flowers. Propagating Heuchera is a simple process that can be done by division or stem cuttings.

Here are the steps for each method:

Division

• Wait until the plant is fully established and has developed several clumps.
• Gently dig up the plant, being careful not to damage the roots.
• Separate the clumps by gently pulling them apart with your hands or by using a sharp knife.
• Replant the clumps in a new location or in containers with fresh potting soil.

Stem Cuttings

• Choose a healthy stem that has several leaves on it.
• Use a sharp, sterile knife or scissors to cut the stem about 3–4 inches long.
• Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few at the top.
• Plant the stem cutting in a pot with moist potting soil.
• Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect.
• Place the pot in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
• Keep the soil moist and wait for new growth to appear.

Once the new plants have grown to a sufficient size, they can be transplanted into the garden or individual containers. Heuchera plants are hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of growing conditions.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Heuchera

Q: What is Heuchera?

A: Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells or Alumroot, is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants native to North America. They are grown for their attractive foliage, which comes in a wide range of colors and textures.

Q: How do I care for Heuchera?

A: Heuchera prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Prune back old foliage in early spring to promote new growth.

Q: When should I plant Heuchera?

A: Heuchera can be planted in the spring or fall, but fall planting is preferred as it allows the plant to establish roots before winter. Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly until established.

Q: How do I propagate Heuchera?

A: Heuchera can be propagated by division in the early spring or fall. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the clumps into smaller sections, making sure each section has some roots attached. Plant the divisions in well-drained soil and water regularly until established.

Q: What are some popular varieties of Heuchera?

A: Some popular varieties of Heuchera include ‘Caramel’, with caramel-colored foliage; “Obsidian,” with dark purple-black foliage, ‘Lime Marmalade’, with lime green foliage, ‘Plum Pudding’, with dark purple foliage; and ‘Palace Purple’, with burgundy foliage.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Heuchera

1. Heuchera, commonly known as “Coral Bells” or “Alumroot,” is a genus of evergreen and semi-evergreen herbaceous perennials that are native to North America.
2. The name “Heuchera” was given in honor of Johann Heinrich von Heucher, an 18th-century German physician and botanist who specialized in plants native to North America.
3. Heuchera plants are grown for their attractive foliage, which comes in a wide range of colors, including green, purple, red, and silver. Some varieties have leaves that are variegated or patterned.
4. In addition to their foliage, Heuchera plants produce tall, slender stems that bear small, delicate flowers in the summer. The flowers are usually pink, red, or white.
5. Heuchera plants are commonly used in rock gardens, as borders, and as groundcover. They are also popular in container gardens.
6. Heuchera plants are easy to grow and maintain. They favor soil that drains well and some to complete shade. They are drought-tolerant and can survive in a range of soil types.
7. Heuchera plants have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including sore throats, diarrhea, and wounds.
8. Heuchera plants are important to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, as they provide a source of nectar and pollen.
9. Heuchera plants have been used in hybridization to create a range of cultivars with different colors, shapes, and sizes.
10. Heuchera plants are resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, making them an ideal choice for gardens where these animals are common.