As the crisp autumn air settles in and the vibrant colours of summer begin to fade, Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, steps into the spotlight as one of the most versatile and visually striking plants you can add to your garden. Boma is excited to feature Heuchera as our Outdoor Plant of the Month for September, showcasing a wide selection of varieties that bring colour, texture, and year-round interest to your outdoor spaces.
The Allure of Heuchera
Originating from North America, particularly the woodlands and rocky terrains of the United States, Heuchera has become a staple in UK gardens due to its remarkable adaptability and evergreen foliage. These hardy perennials are prized for their stunning foliage, which comes in a wide range of colours, from vibrant limes and oranges to deep purples and silvers. The leaves of Heuchera are often variegated or have a metallic sheen, adding an extra layer of visual interest to your garden.
What makes Heuchera truly special is its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Whether planted in full sun or partial shade, these resilient plants maintain their colour and vibrancy throughout the year, providing a consistent backdrop of greenery even in the depths of winter. This makes them an excellent complement to bedding plants and other perennials, as they can fill in gaps, add texture, and bring year-round interest to borders, containers, and rockeries.
Why Heuchera Works So Well in UK Gardens
Heuchera is particularly well-suited to UK gardens for several reasons:
1. Adaptability: Heuchera can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas, making them versatile enough to plant almost anywhere in your garden. They prefer well-drained soil and are relatively drought-tolerant once established, which is ideal for the varying weather conditions typical of the UK.
2. Evergreen Foliage: Unlike many other perennials, Heuchera’s foliage remains vibrant throughout the year. This evergreen quality means your garden can retain colour and texture even during the bleakest winter months.
3. Resilience: Heuchera is known for its hardiness. These plants can withstand frost, snow, and even the occasional heatwave, making them a low-maintenance option for gardeners who want beautiful results with minimal effort.
4. Seasonal Interest: While Heuchera is known primarily for its foliage, many varieties also produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers on tall spikes during the summer. These flowers add another dimension to the plant’s appeal and can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
How to Display Heuchera
Heuchera’s versatility extends to how it can be displayed in your garden:
• Borders and Edging: Use Heuchera to define borders or as edging plants along pathways. Their compact growth habit and striking foliage create a clean, polished look that works well in both formal and informal garden designs.
• Containers and Pots: Heuchera is an excellent choice for container gardening. Whether in terracotta, glazed pots, or modern polystone planters, these plants bring colour and interest to patios, balconies, and terraces. Consider mixing different Heuchera varieties in a single container for a stunning display of contrasting colours and textures.
• Underplanting: Heuchera is ideal for underplanting around larger shrubs or trees. Its ability to thrive in partial shade makes it a perfect companion for plants that create dappled sunlight.
• Rockeries and Slopes: If you have a rockery or sloped area in your garden, Heuchera can add a splash of colour and help prevent soil erosion. Their shallow root system allows them to anchor well in these settings.
Care Tips for Heuchera
While Heuchera is relatively low-maintenance, following these care tips will ensure that your plants remain healthy and vibrant throughout the year:
• Soil: Plant Heuchera in well-drained soil. They don’t like waterlogged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, consider adding organic matter or grit to improve drainage.
• Watering: Water Heuchera regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year after planting. Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant, but regular watering during prolonged dry periods will keep them looking their best.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. This is especially important in the winter, as mulch can protect the roots from severe frost.
• Feeding: Feed Heuchera with a balanced fertiliser in spring and summer to encourage healthy growth. Be careful not to over-fertilise, as this can lead to overly lush growth that is susceptible to disease.
• Pruning: In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged leaves to tidy up the plant and encourage new growth. After a few years, Heuchera can become woody at the base, so consider lifting and dividing the plants every three to five years to rejuvenate them.
Heuchera Varieties at Boma
Boma Garden Centre is proud to offer a range of Heuchera varieties, each with its own unique colour and characteristics. While our stock is constantly changing as new cultivars are introduced, here are some of the stunning varieties you can find on special offer this month:
• Description: A vibrant chartreuse variety with ruffled leaves that brighten up any garden space.
• Unique Beauty: Its neon-like colour provides a striking contrast against darker foliage plants.
• Ideal Placement: Perfect for containers, borders, and underplanting in shaded areas.
• Description: A multicoloured variety with leaves that blend shades of green, burgundy, and silver.
• Unique Beauty: The intricate pattern on the leaves adds depth and interest to any planting scheme.
• Ideal Placement: Works well in mixed borders or as a standalone feature in a pot.
3. Silver Scrolls
• Description: Features metallic silver leaves with deep burgundy undersides, creating a striking visual effect.
• Unique Beauty: The reflective quality of the leaves adds a shimmering effect to the garden.
• Ideal Placement: Ideal for adding contrast in shaded or partially shaded areas.
4. Indian Summer Orange
• Description: A stunning variety with bright orange leaves that transition to deep burgundy as they mature.
• Unique Beauty: Its changing colours throughout the season provide ongoing visual interest.
• Ideal Placement: Great for autumn displays, borders, and containers.
5. Silver Gumdrop
• Description: Small, compact variety with silvery leaves and bright pink flowers.
• Unique Beauty: The delicate contrast between the foliage and flowers makes it a charming addition to any garden.
• Ideal Placement: Perfect for containers, rockeries, and the front of borders.
6. Greenberry
• Description: Features deep green leaves with a subtle silver overlay and delicate white flowers.
• Unique Beauty: Its understated elegance makes it a versatile choice for any garden setting.
• Ideal Placement: Works well in mass plantings or as an accent plant in mixed borders.
7. Orange Berry
• Description: A dynamic variety with bright orange-red leaves that stand out in any garden.
• Unique Beauty: The vibrant colour brings warmth and energy to autumn and winter displays.
• Ideal Placement: Ideal for containers, borders, and as a focal point in garden beds.
Why Heuchera is Perfect for Autumn and Winter
Heuchera truly shines in autumn and winter, when many other plants have begun to fade. Their evergreen foliage ensures that your garden retains structure and colour throughout the colder months. Additionally, their ability to complement both bedding plants and perennials makes them invaluable for creating layered, year-round garden displays. Whether you’re looking to refresh your borders, add interest to containers, or brighten up shaded areas, Heuchera offers endless possibilities.
Visit Boma Garden Centre for Your Heuchera
If you’re looking to enhance your garden with the beauty and versatility of Heuchera, visit Boma Garden Centre this autumn. Our knowledgeable team can help you select the perfect variety for your garden and offer advice on how to care for your plants to keep them thriving year-round.
At Boma, we have a variety of Heuchera cultivars available, with special offers on 12cm varieties throughout the month. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, our wide selection and expert guidance will help you create a garden that is beautiful in every season.
Embrace Year-Round Beauty with Heuchera
Heuchera’s vibrant colours, evergreen foliage, and adaptability make it an essential plant for any garden. Whether you’re designing a new garden or looking to refresh your existing space, Heuchera provides the perfect solution for adding colour, texture, and interest throughout the year. Visit Boma Garden Centre today to explore our extensive selection and take advantage of our special offers. Transform your garden into a year-round sanctuary with the timeless beauty of Heuchera.
