Plant of the week: Heuchera

This is a Heuchera. Say the word slowly; roll it over in the mouth. It could be mistaken for the sound made by someone clearing their throat, but this Heuchera is a thing of beauty and, if you want it to be, a joy for ever.

Heucheras have long been popular for their foliage, their ability to clothe ground and keep down weeds, and their delicate flowers which have given the plants their common name of Coral Bells.

They make excellent edging plants for beds and borders, will thrive in any well drained but moist soil, and although they like the sun, are quite happy to put up with shade.So, all in all, a decent plant for a variety of reasons.

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The most popular form is H 'Red Spangles', but recently, the gloriously dark-leaved 'Palace Purple' has been pushing itself forward.

Forget about the white flowers, although they are pretty, it's the foliage which catches the eye – young leaves start deep red and progress through to deep purple, almost bronze.

YP MAG 3/7/10