Growing Heucherella
Heucherella has striking, heart-shaped foliage and tiny flowers in shades of pink or creamy white with a fuzzy texture. This plant is a hybrid of Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, and Tiarella, which you may know as Foamflower. It has the best traits of both parent plants and is a low-maintenance addition to a border. This leafy perennial makes a vibrant ground cover in the landscape or filler in a container. Heucherella prefers shady locations and grows reliably in zones 4 through 9.
Planting Heucherella
Plant Heucherella in the spring when the temperature is consistently warm. Choose a planting site that receives partial sunlight and is protected from strong winds. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and keep the top of the root ball level with the soil line. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill the soil. Gently press the soil into place and spread a layer of mulch under the plant.
Watering Heucherella
Keep the soil damp but not soggy. Heucherella likes dampness, but standing water and boggy soil are damaging. This plant grows well in shady sites, where the soil stays damp longer, but make sure to water when the soil is dry. Increase the watering frequency during a dry period. A thick layer of mulch will keep the soil moist longer and reduce weeds.
Fertilizing Heucherella
Heucherella is not a heavy feeder, but appreciates monthly applications of fertilizer, which support growth and keep the plant looking lush. Use a diluted, water-soluble fertilizer. Balanced fertilizers are ideal, but avoid a high-nitrogen product, which can cause leggy growth.
Pruning Heucherella
Trim flower spikes when the blooms fade. Heucherella is an evergreen in the warmer reaches of its growing range. The foliage may die back in colder areas. Trim dead or damaged growth from plants as needed. Remove dead growth by early spring when new growth appears.
Caring For Heucherella in Pots
Potted Heucherella plants need a container with drainage holes and consistent water. Water potted Heucherella plants when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. Use a rich, moist, well-drained potting mix. Allow water to drain from the container, and empty excess water from the saucer. Fertilize monthly using a diluted plant food. Place the container in partial sun to shade.
Winter Care For Heucherella
Heucherella does not require much, if any, winter care. Plants in cold regions will die back after the first frost in the fall. Allow the spent foliage to remain on the plant through the winter to protect the crown. Spread mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and protect against cold temperatures. Heucherella plants grown in areas with mild winters are evergreen, but may require some spring clean-up to maintain a tidy appearance.
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Author Robbin Small - Published 4-12-2024 |