What white means for a Heuchera
With Heuchera it helps to separate flower from leaf. The leaves are the main attraction, and the flower spikes are small and airy. Whites in this plant show up in two ways: as creamy-white or greenish-white blossoms on tall, slender stems, and as silvery patterning on the foliage.
White flowers from a coral bell are never as showy as a peony or a hydrangea. The charm lies in the froth: a haze of tiny bells above the leaves in early summer.
Companions
White-flowering Heuchera pairs well with other shade lovers.
- Ferns, hostas and Japanese anemones form a leafy, soft backdrop.
- Dark purple-leaved Heuchera nearby makes the pale spikes glow.
- White bulbs, such as snowdrops, bridge the gap in late winter.
Keeping the leaves clean
Pale foliage is more prone to scorching than dark, so give it light shade rather than hot afternoon sun. Moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, with compost dug in, is ideal. In Ireland the rain looks after watering most of the year, but pots on a sheltered patio will dry out in a warm spell.
Trim off dead leaves in spring to tidy the plant and let fresh growth through, and snap off spent flower stems.
A note on pests
Vine weevil grubs feed on the roots, especially in containers. A pot that wilts despite damp compost needs checking. Cleaner, gritty compost and regular inspection reduce the risk.
Safe around the dog
If you share the garden with a dog, you can plant coral bells without worrying about poisoning, since the ASPCA gives Heuchera sanguinea as safe for dogs, cats and horses. Digging up roots is another matter.
