Posted on 24.01.2021 |
Added in Featured Conservation Plants
Heuchera for Winter Foliage
In the depths of winter I sometimes feel that I have to do what the plants are doing, just keep ticking over until the nights get shorter, the days get warmer and there is a sniff of spring in the air. But I was reminded lately that even in winter, our plants have something to offer. There is often a subtle beauty to them that is not obvious in high summer. Foliage patterns and colours show up more. Many of the Conservation Scheme plants have this quality.
With three very different Heuchera in the scheme there is a nice mix of winter colour. The leaves of Heuchera ‘Burgundy Frost' are sharply lobed, almost hand-shaped. It does best in dryish conditions with some shade. A slow grower, it may need extra care and attention, but the attractive silvery leaves with purple undertones make it a lovely plant in the garden.
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| Heuchera ‘Burgundy Frost' |
Heuchera ‘David' has more rounded leaves, dark green with purple tones and purple-red on the underside. This Heuchera is very hardy, doing fine in cold temperatures, but it doesn't like water logging. It does well in a scree garden.
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| Heuchera ‘David' |
Heuchera sanguinea ‘Snowflakes' is quite different, light green leaves with some mottling. This one likes moisture and semi-shade, so doesn't do well in full sun. It seems to need a bit more shelter than other Heuchera. Harsh winter weather can set plants back, but that light foliage in winter lightens up the dark earth and dull colours of nearby plants.
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| Heuchera sanguinea ‘Snowflakes |
