Heuchera ‘Green Spice’, also known as Coral Bells, a striking perennial known for its vibrant, semi-evergreen foliage. The leaves are primarily silver-green, with prominent deep burgundy or plum-colored veins, and may also display hints of red or orange, especially in cooler weather. It forms a compact, clump-forming mound, and in summer, produces delicate, pale pink flowers on long stems. The plant is relatively low-maintenance and thrives in various conditions, including partial shade and even some sun.
Description
Key Characteristics:
- Foliage: The most notable feature of ‘Green Spice’ is its leaves. The rounded, lobed leaves have a silvery-green to a light green base, with a dark green edge. They are adorned with a network of deep purple, burgundy, or rust-red veins that become more pronounced in cooler weather. In autumn, the leaves may develop an orange tint.
- Flowers: In late spring to early summer, slender, wiry stems rise above the foliage mound, bearing airy panicles of small, bell-shaped, white to pale pink flowers. While not as showy as the foliage, the flowers add a delicate touch and attract pollinators.
- Size and Habit: ‘Green Spice’ forms a basal mound of foliage, typically reaching about 9-18 inches (20-45 cm) in height and spread. It has a tidy, clump-forming habit.
- Hardiness: This cultivar is hardy in most climates. It is also a semi-evergreen perennial, meaning it may retain some or all of its leaves through the winter, depending on the severity of the cold.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: ‘Green Spice’ performs best in partial shade, where it is protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. While it can tolerate full sun in northern climates, it’s essential to provide consistent moisture to prevent leaf scorch. It is also a good choice for brightening up shady corners of the garden.
- Soil: It prefers organically rich, humusy, and well-drained soil with medium moisture. It does not tolerate heavy, waterlogged conditions.
- Maintenance: ‘Green Spice’ is a low-maintenance plant. It benefits from an annual mulch of well-rotted organic matter in the spring. Faded flower stems can be removed to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. The woody rootstock of Heucheras can sometimes lift out of the ground, so it’s a good idea to lift and replant the clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
| See also different: | Easy-care evergreen plants |