How to Grow Heuchera

For a perennial ground cover with a difference, take a closer look at Heucheras or Coral Bells. These plants not only provide an abundance of foliage colours (from red, lime, deep burgundy to variegated leaves) but also keep the soil underneath them cool. They are great to grow in rockeries, pots, hanging baskets or in the understory of trees and shady gardens.

Full sun to full shade

Regular watering

Well drained/sandy soil

Best grown in temperate to cool climates

How to grow heucheras in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that attracts full sun to full shade (depending on variety ), with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the main stem.

Step 5

Feed every week through spring and summer with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow heucheras in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 500mm wide. Position in full sun to full shade, (depending on variety )and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 2

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the main stem.

Step 5

Feed every week through spring and summer with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

Use a good organic mulch at the base of the plant to stop it from drying out as Heucheras dislike having dry soils.
Most varieties do well in full sun, but do prefer a bit of protection from the harsh summer afternoon sun. In the heat of summer protect the leaves with Yates Droughtshield.