According to the National Garden Bureau, Heuchera (Coral Bells) harbor few pests, are highly adaptable to containers and come in a seemingly unending number of forms, and so should be in everyone’s garden! We couldn’t agree more. Green Leaf Plants® is joining in the celebration of “2012 – The Year of the Heuchera” by shining a spotlight on the more than 20 unique varieties we offer, including many bold villosa hybrids and several from Blooms of Bressingham®. Here are three of which we’re particularly fond:
Marvelous Marble™ is a selection from the native americana species, grown from seed, with chameleon-like marbled green and purple leaves that shift colors throughout the season. It matures to a compact, 12-inch, mound-shaped plant with attractive, creamy white flowers that reach 22 inches early in the season.
In contrast, ‘Raspberry Ice’ from Blooms of Bressingham, is prolific and striking at 18 inches tall. It flaunts gorgeous bicolor pink/dark pink flowers that measure 24 inches, from late spring all the way through to August. Its leaves feature an intricate mesh of dark veins on a silver backdrop, with unique purple undersides. A real gem from breeder Charles Oliver.
Heat and humidity tolerant, and a bold statement for dry shade, ‘Kassandra’ is a villosa hybrid from Thierry Delabroye. At 14 inches tall, it brightens up the gardenscape with a flourish of large, caramel-colored leaves with undulating edges and purple undersides that peep out to create an interesting bicolor effect . When in flower, it reaches 16 inches tall. To preserve its color, protect it (and all other colored cultivars) from hot afternoon sun.
All of these terrific Heucheras are hardy in Zones 4 to 9 and can tolerate sun to part shade. They’re also excellent for their long-lasting cut foliage and flowers.
And here’s a fun factoid – Heuchera should be pronounced “Hoy-ker-uh” not “Hew-ker-uh.” It was named by Linnaeus for his friend, Austrian professor Johann Heinrich von Heucher (“Hoyker”).
Check out all the fascinating details of the “Year of the Heuchera” at the NGB website. And get more information on all of Green Leaf Plants’ Heuchera varieties at our website, or contact Christine Kelleher by e-mail or phone at 800.232.9557, ext. 2512. Ordering information is available from Customer Service at 800.321.9573 or by e-mail.
Source: Aris Horticultural Services