There’s a stunning variety for every spot
Have you grown heuchera? And if not, why not! They are one of the most versatile plants I know, and are much more than they first appear. Across heuchera, tiarella, and their offspring heucherella, there’s a plant for every spot, from shady corners to container mixups, hanging baskets to flower stems for an indoor vase.
And I bet you didn’t know that the bees love those delicate flowers too? I often see them darting up and down the pretty spikes. Grow heuchera and their friends in good, well-drained soil, in dappled shade – although many new cultivars will tolerate sun as well. They also don’t mind if the soil dries out from time to time, and they are perfect for containers.
When investigating the heuchera family, there’s only one place I could turn to, and that is National Collection Holders, Plantagogo. Not only do Richard and Vicky grow these colourful plants, but they breed their own new varieties too! Here’s some of my firm favourites from their lovely selection:
Heuchera ‘Alfie’
Let’s kick off with a variety of heuchera that has it all; dark sexy foliage with a ruffled edge, and the most voluptuous creamy flowers. Plus the pollinators love it! It’s bred by Vicky and Rick, and named after her Vicky’s Dad!
Heuchera ‘Forever Purple’
Regarded as the best purple cultivar yet, and holds its colour in full sun too. Did you know also that it’s evergreen, so will keep its illustrious sheen all year round?
Heuchera ‘Midnight Rose’
One of many exciting heuchera bred by Terra Nova Nurseries in the USA, ‘Midnight Rose’ has a distinct marbling to the deep purple foliage, and those spots change to creamy pink through the summer. Divine! This would look amazing in a container with your summer petunias, perhaps.
Heuchera ‘Phoebe’s Blush’
This is an absolutely stunning variety with peach and apricot tones, and it would really add something unique to a shady border. The spring foliage emerges in even brighter tones too!
Heuchera ‘Red Lightning’
From a very robust strain of heuchera, this plant will certainly hold its own in your cottage garden border. The leaves are as big as hosta leaves, and if this is the future of heuchera, then I am super excited!
Heucherella ‘Eye Spy’
What a spectacle!! This aptly named variety is the offspring of heuchera and tiarella, the tiarella input giving that distinct angular foliage. Raised by Walter’s Gardens in the USA, plants are neatly mound forming, and would look amazing in containers.
Heucherella ‘Redstone Falls’
Here is an excellent plant for a hanging basket or window box, as ‘Redstone Falls’ actually has a very exciting trailing habit. It’s one of my absolute favourites.
Tiarella ‘Raspberry Sundae’
A fantastic border perennial, which has also picked up an award of garden merit with the RHS. A top performing plant for shade, with amazing impact thanks to those fluffy flowers, and chocolate marked foliage.
Find more tips, advice and articles like this at the Amateur Gardening website. Subscribe to Amateur Gardening magazine now
