Key Features
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts HummingbirdsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancelow
Overview
A genus of evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial groundcovers native to North America, grown primarily for their extraordinary foliage — leaves in shades of green, chartreuse, gold, orange, bronze, burgundy, deep purple, near-black, and silver-marbled. Leaves heart-shaped to rounded with shallow lobes, 2–5 inches (5–12.5 cm) across, forming low basal rosettes 6–18 inches (15–45 cm) tall. Wiry stems 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall bear loose panicles of tiny bell-shaped flowers in white, cream, pink, or red from May through July, attractive to hummingbirds. Nearly all species native to North America. The vast majority of garden cultivars are complex hybrids derived primarily from H. micrantha, H. sanguinea, H. americana, and H. villosa. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9.
Native Range
Heuchera species are native throughout North America, from the Pacific Coast ranges through the Rocky Mountains, eastern woodlands, and southeastern United States. H. sanguinea (coral bells) is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico; H. americana to eastern North America; H. villosa to the Appalachians.Suggested Uses
Planted as border edging, groundcover, container specimens, and woodland understory plants at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing. The extraordinary foliage color range makes Heuchera one of the most design-versatile foliage perennials for Pacific Northwest shade gardens. Effective massed under deciduous trees, as a container thriller-plant, or along shaded pathway edges. Combines well with ferns, hostas, and astilbes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Blooms May through July on wiry stems 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall bearing loose panicles of tiny nodding bell-shaped flowers 0.25 inch (6 mm) long in white, cream, pink, or red. Attractive to hummingbirds and bees. Many modern foliage-focused cultivars produce modest flower displays — the primary ornamental value is the foliage.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Tiny bell-shaped, 0.25 inch (6 mm) long, in loose airy panicles on wiry stems 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall; white, cream, pink, or red depending on cultivarFoliage Description
Extraordinary range depending on cultivar: green, chartreuse, gold, orange, bronze, burgundy, deep purple, near-black, silver-marbled, or combinations; heart-shaped to rounded, shallowly lobed, 2–5 inches (5–12.5 cm) acrossGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in part shade to full shade in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Most cultivars tolerate full sun in the cool Pacific Northwest but may scorch in hot exposed sites. Space 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart. Water regularly during establishment; moderately drought tolerant once established in shade. Lift and divide every 3–4 years in spring or fall — crowns heave upward over time; replant with the crown at soil level. Remove old tattered foliage in early spring.Pruning
Remove old and damaged leaves in early spring before new growth emerges — cut individual leaves at the base rather than shearing the plant. Cut flower stems to the base after blooming. Divide when the woody crown lifts noticeably above the soil surface, typically every 3–4 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons