The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Growing Heuchera

Heuchera plants are evergreen perennials available in a range of bold colours, spanning from deep purple to bright orange. These captivating and well-behaved plants are perfect for borders and maintain their appeal all year round, injecting much-needed colour into gloomy winter landscapes.

I highly recommend growing these hardy beauties, a resilient species demanding no winter shielding, making them a low-maintenance dream for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

 Feeling convinced? Keep reading for a comprehensive beginner's guide to growing Heuchera.

 🍁What are Heucheras? 

Heucheras are perennials, thriving for many years with minimal maintenance. Most varieties offer year-round colour, changing hues throughout the seasons. They also produce delicate flowers on tall stems during summer, usually beginning in early June, ensuring a continual visual delight!

Heuchera Forever Purple blooming in August 2023.

These hardy plants don’t require winter protection, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardening or beginners. In my UK garden, they maintain their vibrant appearance all year, although, in extreme cold, they may die off, only to re-sprout vigorously in spring.

🌱 Planting Heucheras 

Heuchera Fire Alarm planted in a well-lit border with Silver Dust.

Where should I plant them?

 Heucheras can be planted in the ground during Spring or Autumn, typically in borders alongside other vibrant flowers. Their compact nature deserves a front-row placement, lining the border. For a more striking display, consider planting different varieties together to create a rainbow of contrasting hues.

 Seeking the right spot? They thrive in full or partial sun. Deeper-shaded varieties flourish in sunny spots, intensifying their colours, while paler-leaved varieties prefer partially sunny locations to retain their vibrancy.

 Ensure they're planted in well-drained soil to avoid rot. Moist, loose, sandy soil works best, especially in regions like the United Kingdom where rainfall is plentiful.

When should I plant them?

 Plant them in Spring or Autumn (mid-March to April or mid-September to October) when the soil is moist and warm. While they can be planted year-round, avoid Summer's scorching and dry conditions or Winter's freezing temperatures as they will struggle to establish themselves. If you do decide to plant them during Summer, provide extra care by watering them twice daily and during the Winter, check out my guide on how to protect your plants from frost damage.

How do I plant them?

 The most reliable method is planting from store-bought pots. Before planting, enrich the planting area with plenty of organic matter, such as well-rotted garden compost, to nurture healthy roots and improve soil quality.

 Afterwards, dig a sizable hole, place the plant ensuring it's at the same depth as in the pot, fill it with soil, gently firm it, and water thoroughly. If the plant is too deep, it will be at risk of root rotting.

🌦️Ongoing Care 

Heuchera Forever Purple in October 2023. The colours are deeper.

 Watering

 Initially, water newly planted Heucheras regularly, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases and rotting. Post the first growing season, reserve watering for long dry spells such as during a heatwave, where I’ll water my Heucheras daily. All other times, Heucheras don’t require a lot of water and I find they are happy with being watered whenever it rains.

Mulching

 Come Spring, apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture during the summer months, offering low-level nutrients, weed deterrence, and winter protection. Avoid mulching the centre of the plant to prevent rot.

 Feeding

 Heucheras need minimal fertilizer as mulching often fulfils their nutrient requirements. However, if they need a boost, apply Fish, Blood, and Bone according to package instructions.

Heuchera Blackberry Jam flowering.

🪲 Common Problems

 While Heucheras are generally low-maintenance and pest-resistant, they aren’t invincible and are susceptible to:

• Vine Weevils: These serious pests feed on plants, leaving damaging larvae. Symptoms include legless c-shaped grubs around roots and notched leaves. Remove and dispose of affected plants and grubs promptly or try setting up traps using sticky barriers. Introducing diverse wildlife like birds and frogs can also help as they consume the grubs. If these methods fail, consider using organic pesticides. I find that a Neem Oil and Water mixture works perfectly.

• Heuchera Rust: This fungal issue, increasingly prevalent in the UK, shows symptoms like small, raised spots, sunken depressions, orange or brown pustules, and distorted leaves. Prevent it by inspecting plant foliage before planting and disposing of infected plants. Ensure good circulation when planting, as high-humidity areas promote infection. If your plant becomes infected, remove and dispose of all affected foliage immediately.

Heuchera’s provide a kaleidoscope of hues and are a testament to nature’s resilience. Follow this guide and your Heucheras will be thriving in no time! Happy Gardening! 👩‍🌾