Heuchera

Depending on the climate, the genus, Heuchera, is an evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial groundcover that is very popular in the landscape because of its colorful foliage, tiny bell-shaped flowers, and tidy, clumping habit. This genus is an interesting family of perennials comprised of more than 50 species. It is commonly known as coralbells or alumroot, and is hardy from zones 3 to 9, depending on species and cultivar. 

If you want to add bold, colorful foliage to your garden, Heuchera might be just the plant you’re looking for. They make a wonderful addition to the garden and can be used as edgings in perennial borders and group plantings. The lighter-colored varieties stand out nicely in a lightly shaded garden.

Heuchera is native to the Russian Far East, portions of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, and is native to the State of North Carolina.

The genus name, Heuchera, honors Austrian-born, Johann Heinrich von Heucher, who was a medical botanist and professor of medicine in Wittenburg, Germany in the 17th century. The common name, Coral Bells, references the plant's bell-shaped flowers. Another common name, Alumroot, references the medicinal use of some of the species as an astringent to stop bleeding. 

Coralbells and alumroot are primarily grown for their foliage, but many species also have attractive flowers that are favored by butterflies and bees. Flowering usually begins in June and continues throughout the growing season.

 Coralbells can be grown in the sun or shade depending on the selected varieties. Many varieties develop their best leaf color in full sun. They prefer a slightly acidic pH and moist, well-drained soils that have been amended with organic matter like leaf compost or pine bark fines. They are best planted in the late fall or early spring. They are usually short-lived perennials unless they are divided regularly, about every 3 to 4 years. Deadheading the spent flowers will increase bloom production during the summer and into the fall. If the leaves appear ragged, prune them and new growth will appear. Most plants in this genus prefer relatively dry air, but Heuchera villosa will thrive in heat and high humidity. Mulching will protect the plant's roots in the winter months. 

Try some of its species or cultivars to add interest and expand the color palette in your garden! Hummingbirds and butterflies will be attracted to the rich nectar of the flowers.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: There are few insect or disease problems, but leaf scorch can be a problem for plants grown in full sun during hot, dry conditions. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot can occur. Potential insects include weevils, Japanese Beetles, mealybugs, and foliar nematodes.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.