Heuchera

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 an interesting family of perennials that is comprised of more than 50 species that are native to North America. Heuchera, commonly known as coralbells or alumroot, is hardy from zones 4 to 9, depending on species and cultivar. There are many species and cultivars available.

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. Depending on the variety selected, coralbells can be grown in sun or shade. Many varieties develop their best leaf color in full sun. They prefer moist, well-drained soils that have been amended with organic matter like leaf compost or pine bark fines. There are few insect or disease problems, but leaf scorch can be a problem for plants grown in full sun during hot, dry conditions.

Try any of these cultivars to add interest and expand the color palette in your garden!