Native to the United States but now widespread in the UK, Heuchera (or ‘coral bells’) thrive in all climates, even in shade, and produce stunning flowers in pink, coral, red or white. The foliage can be so colourful and ornate that you will be more than happy if they never bloomed. This outstanding plant is only now becoming fully appreciated with the arrival of new cultivars and hybrids, such as ‘Amber Waves’ and ‘Purple Palace’. This easy and accessible guide covers :
- Introduction: Heucheras and related genera (including Tiarella, x Heucherella and Mitella) • Overview of range of forms • Geography and ecology • Suitability as garden plants • Outstanding qualities
- Use in garden by type: Outstanding cultivars • Alpines • Borders • Woodland garden • Landscape • Cut flowers
- Cultivation: Propagation • Soil and sun exposure • Feeding • Growing from seed, cuttings, division and tissue culture
- Horticultural history: Breeders and their plants • Origins of present-day forms
- Genetics and morphology: Traits and morphology in relation to garden-worthiness
- Breeding: Trends • Expression and combination of traits • What makes a good garden plant (trial criteria)
- Annotated list of garden-worthy wild species and selected cultivars
