Wednesday, May 28, 2014

'Regal Robe' Heuchera Featured Plant of The Day

Heuchera 'Regal Robe'
Alumroot,  Coral Bells

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    4A to 9A
Height    4" to 6" / 10cm to 15cm
Spread    12" to 15" / 30cm to 40cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Rounded
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Evergreen

Bloom Time    Summer

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Purple, silvery and variegated
This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes
These herbaceous, evergreen, perennial herbs are increasing in popularity due to the fact that newer varieties of Heucheras offer taller and larger flowers, ruffled foliage and increased hardiness to heat, humidity and cold.  Heucheras are already valued for their lovely, varied foliage and striking, bell-shaped  flowers in various colors.  Their stalks spike up from the center of the plant and vary in height.

When planting, make sure crowns are just above the soil level.  Keep plants moist, but well-drained, and mulch before the onset of cold weather.   It's highly unlikely that Heucheras will survive in clay.   In the South, Heucheras do best if planted in partial shade; if grown in cooler climates, the plant flowers longer if spent blossoms are removed.  Many Heucheras will attract both hummingbirds and bees.

Although a compact plant, 'Regal Robe' has leaves up to 10" across that are marbled with lavender and silver.