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What We've Included
When to Plant | How to Plant | Where to Plant | When to Water | How to Feed | Overwintering | Deadheading | Propagating | Common Issues & How to Solve Them | When do they Flower?
When to Plant
Heucheras can be planted in spring or autumn when the ground is still warm and moist. This will help them settle in better. However, they technically can be planted any time of the year if the ground isn’t too frozen. If you decide to plant them in the summer, take care to water them regularly as they may struggle in hot conditions before they’ve established.
How to Plant Heuchera in Borders and Containers
Planting Loose Rooted Heucheras
Loose roots to beginners might sound intimidating but are really easy to plant and very budget friendly! Here’s how to do it:
- Soak roots in a bucket of water for 1-2 hours before planting.
- Dig a hole in the border that’s big enough to house the root system. If planting in pots, fill it halfway with potting soil and then pop the roots in with the crown pointing upwards and the root system pointing to the floor.
- Plant in groups for a fuller display, usually in groups of 3, somewhere that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Ensure the crown is just below the soil unless the plant has some leaves, in which case leave them exposed with the rest of the root system under the soil.
- Water well once planted.
Planting Pot-Grown Plants or Modules
Pot-grown plants are another easy way to plant and grow Heuchera. Whether you’re growing them directly outside into the border or into a container, our pot-grown plants are a breeze from the moment they arrive.
- Dig a hole in the border that’s big enough to house the root system. If planting in pots, fill a large pot halfway with potting soil and then make a well in the middle. Do this until the top of the soil from the plant is just below the top of the pot.
- Wedge in the plant by adding soil to the gaps in the hole, firming down the surface to ensure it’s in place.
- Water well and you’re done!
Where to Plant
Heucheras can be planted in borders or containers. Position them somewhere partially shaded. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Ideal for growing at the front of the border.
After Care
When to water Heuchera
Newly planted heucheras should be watered well and regularly to help them settle in. Water them throughout their first growing season. Avoid wetting the leaves and aim for the base of the plant as water can cause the plant to rot. Established plants will only need watering in dry bouts.
How to Feed Heuchera
Heucheras growing in borders don’t need a feed, although you can add a general-purpose fertiliser if you wish. Varieties grown in containers will prefer a liquid feed in spring and summer as the soil won’t have access to the same nutrients that borders will offer.
Overwintering
Although Heucheras are evergreen, harsh winters can make them look a bit worse for wear. You can remove old foliage to spruce it up a bit before spring and summer growth starts to come through.
It’s important to note where the new growth starts and the old growth ends. Typically, new growth will grow from the middle of the plant, so take off old shots from around the outer rim of the plant. Cut leaves down to the base and discard them by chucking them into the compost (unless they’re diseased).
Deadheading
You can deadhead the flowers on heucheras if you’d like to keep the display looking tidy. You can also cut off any dead leaves from the base of the plant throughout the year to keep it looking neat.
Propagating
You can propagate these plants by division. This can be done in autumn or spring, preferably once they’ve finished flowering if you choose to divide them in autumn. The division helps to decongest large clumps that have gotten a bit too wild over a few years of growth. To divide them, lift them out of the ground gently, trying not to damage the roots, and split clumps with a sharp knife.
Common Issues & How to Solve Them
Heucheras are a more pest-free plant. However, it does have a common nemesis – vine weevils. If you suspect that they’ve invaded your plant, give a leaf a gentle pull. If they come away too easily, then dig up the plant and pick off any weevils you find. Leave them on a patio or some grass somewhere – the birds will love them. Then, carefully wash the roots of your Heuchera until all the eggs are washed away and replant.
They can also experience issues like Heuchera rust and leaf scorch. Heuchera rust has become a prevalent issue since the disease was first recorded in 2004. It’s commonly spread by spores, thanks to wetter-than-average summers. You’ll notice small brown or black splotches on the leaves of your plant if it has been affected. Dispose of affected plants (don’t put them in the compost as it’ll spread the disease further) and ensure Heucheras are given plenty of breathing room so that air can circulate.
When do Heuchera Flower?
Heucheras will produce flowers anytime between June and August. Heucheras are considered evergreen, so you will be able to enjoy their foliage throughout the year.
