Heucherella 'Plum Cascade'

Quick and easy with admirable vigour. Masses of flowers through the warmer months. Trailing varieties make ideal ground covers, or spillers for containers.

Heucherellas are a cross of Heucheras (Coral Bells) and Tiarellia cordifolia (Foam Flower), both from the Saxifrage family. They are commonly known as Foamy Bells. They have a strong rust resistance and are more tolerant of heat and humidity (though many of the new Heuchera are also bred tough). The flowers are more similar to Tiarellia and there is a wide array of leaf colours and forms.

A stand out in pots, hanging baskets, or mass planted in beds, they are simple to grow and care for, quickly growing into a healthy clump. They are evergreen in all but the coldest areas.

Plant in a filtered light position out of the hot afternoon sun. They can take more sun in cooler zones and the darker varieties will fare better in more sun. A moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil is ideal, they don’t like it boggy. Water to establish, it takes around four weeks for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil and gain access to its moisture and nutrients, until then, like all new plants, they will need extra care.

Remove spent flowers and foliage to tidy as required, early spring, before the new growth is ideal. They aren’t heavy feeders so if you have a good soil you won’t need to worry about fertiliser, if your soil is poor a light sprinkle in spring is all you’ll need.

In pots/baskets, ensure you container choice has sufficient drainage holes. Use a good quality potting mix and remember to water, especially over summer, where on hot days you will need to care for them daily.