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Alum Root Heuchera 'Berry Smoothie'

Phonetic Spelling
HEW-ker-a
Description

'Berry Smoothie", also known as Coral Bells, is a patented cultivar of the genus, Heuchera, a cross between H. villosa and H. americana. 'Berry Smoothie' is a clump forming, herbaceous perennial with white spring blossoms and rose-pink leaves that darken to purple-pink and provide year-round interest in a shady part of the landscape. Foliage is essentially evergreen in warm winter climates. The flowers are small and white and sit atop 2 foot high stems. You can remove the stems of faded flowers to encourage additional bloom. It is tolerant to heat. However, beware of planting it too deep; it does not like its crown covered. 'Berry Smoothie' is protected under U. S. Plant Patent PP#21,871 awarded April 12, 2011.

The genus Heuchera does best in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Because the parentage of hybrids often determines the best culture including optimum sun exposure, a hybrid of H. villosa and H. americana, such as 'Berry Smoothie', does best in shady locations. If grown in full sun, provide consistent moisture to ensure that the soil does not dry out. If you site the plant in a cooler climate, you can apply a winter compost mulch after the ground freezes to prevent root heaving. Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Frost heaving of roots can occur when winter temperatures fluctuate widely. Potential diseases include powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot. Potential insect pests include weevils and foliar nematodes.

More information on Heuchera.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple#evergreen#heat tolerant#pink flowers#purple leaves#red leaves#pink leaves#winter interest#year-round interest#fast growing#herbaceous perennial#heavy shade tolerant#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple#evergreen#heat tolerant#pink flowers#purple leaves#red leaves#pink leaves#winter interest#year-round interest#fast growing#herbaceous perennial#heavy shade tolerant#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Heuchera
    Family:
    Saxifragaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 4 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 8 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    White spring blooms in June into July sit atop slender, wiry stems rising above the foliage mound, typically 24 to 28 inches tall.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Colorful rose pink leaves that gradually darken to purple pink. The metallic-looking leaves retain good color throughout the growing season. Foliage typically forms a basal mound12 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Two foot high stems carry flower panicles.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Walkways
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Rock Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Heat
    Heavy Shade