Spring Plant Sale Preview: Coral Bells

Heuchera 'Apple Twist'

By Annie Yang T’20

Coral bells (Heuchera) 'Apple Twist’
As the seasons change, the colors of Heuchera ‘Apple Twist’ capture the whole spectrum of reds, yellows, and greens of crisp, fresh apples. In the spring, ‘Apple Twist’ leaves emerge with a red hue like Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Over time, the leaves of these coral bells lighten to yellow green and then a full Granny Smith green in the summer.

A relatively easy plant to care for, ‘Apple Twist’ grows best in partial to full shade and acidic, well-drained soil. Much like apples, Heuchera ‘Apple Twist’ attracts pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds and bees, while also being resistant to deer. This plant works well as a border plant or in containers, but its changing colors also make it suitable as a focal point in any garden.

Heuchera 'Black Pearl'

'Black Pearl’
The combination of its glossy, jet-black foliage, purple undersides, and pink flowers makes this Heuchera cultivar a stunning show-stopper. While some Heucheras will bleach and lighten in color with too much exposure to the sun, ‘Black Pearl’ retains its striking color even in full sun. However, especially in warmer climates, this plant benefits from partial to full shade.

Heuchera ‘Black Pearl’ is a villosa hybrid, which is a late-blooming species with increased heat and humidity tolerance. ‘Black Pearl’ will grow best with average amounts of moisture, and drier soils will prevent rotting and also deter slugs. Cut back the previous year’s foliage in early spring to allow room for new growth of this intensely colored perennial.

‘Black Pearl’ is quite versatile and can fill a number of different roles in a garden. It works well in larger containers that can accommodate its dense leaves, or as a landscape plant. ‘Black Pearl’ can be paired up with brightly colored plants that bring out the full intensity of its dark leaves, or it can be accompanied by purples and violets for a more monochromatic but no less vibrant look.

‘Autumn Bride’

Heuchera 'Autumn Bride'

With its tall clouds of white flowers that bloom from August through September, this Heuchera cultivar certainly does seem reminiscent of a bride all dressed in white. Its flowering is one of the largest in the genus—this plant pulls out all the stops. What’s more, the foliage of Heuchera ‘Autumn Bride’ is velvety to the touch, much like the fine quality of a bride’s gown.

Especially in southern climates, ‘Autumn Bride’ thrives in the shade and in well-drained soils that are moderately moist. This easy-care cultivar fares better than most Heucheras in hot and humid summers, and it has good drought tolerance and is deer resistant.

Its 2-foot stalks with white blooms really stand out when planted in groups or massed, and they make lovely cut flowers. ‘Autumn Bride’ can also be wedded to other plants to create exciting foliage contrast and combinations.

Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens & Lurie Garden.

SPRING PLANT SALE DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2019
Time: 8 a.m.-noon
Members-only preview sale:  4-6 p.m. Friday, March 29
Member benefits: Duke Gardens members get 10% off all purchases, plus access to the members-only preview sale and a full list of plants in advance! Join online or on site.
Parking: Free during the sale.
Pets not permitted. Please see Duke Gardens' pets policy here.
Wagons + boxes: Our supply is limited; please bring your own if possible, and you'll have more time to spend gathering beautiful plants.
Your support helps Duke Gardens to provide summer internships to aspiring horticulturists from across the nation. Thank you!
Please see our event page for more information, and we'd love for you to spread the word by sharing our Facebook event page and inviting your Facebook friends.

Fall Plant Sale Preview: Heuchera ‘Autumn Bride’

By Annie Yang
Duke Class of 2020
Photos courtesy of Lurie Garden

With its tall clouds of white flowers that bloom from August through September, this Heuchera cultivar certainly does seem reminiscent of an ‘Autumn Bride’ all dressed in white. Its flowering is one of the largest in the genus—this plant pulls out all the stops. What’s more, the foliage of Heuchera ‘Autumn Bride’ is velvety to the touch, much like the fine quality of a bride’s gown.





Especially in southern climates, ‘Autumn Bride’ thrives in the shade and in well-drained soils that are moderately moist. This easy-care cultivar fares better than most Heucheras in hot and humid summers, and it has good drought tolerance and is deer resistant.

Commonly called coral bells, Heuchera works well as groundcover in rock gardens, open woodland gardens and borders. Its 2-foot stalks with white blooms really stand out when planted in groups or massed, and they make lovely cut flowers. ‘Autumn Bride’ can also be wedded to other plants to create exciting foliage contrast and combinations.

FALL PLANT SALE DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Member benefits: Duke Gardens members get 10% off all purchases, plus access to the members-only previews sale from 8-9 a.m., and a full list of plants in advance! Join online or on site beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Parking: Free.
Pets not permitted. Please see Duke Gardens' pets policy here.
Wagons + boxes: Our supply is limited; please bring your own if possible, and you'll have more time to spend gathering beautiful plants.
Your support helps Duke Gardens to provide summer internships to aspiring horticulturists from across the nation.
Please see our event page for more information, and we'd love for you to spread the word by sharing the event on Facebook and inviting your friends.
Thank you!

Plant Sale Preview: Heuchera

Heuchera 'Citronelle'. Photo by Annie Yang.

By Rose James
Duke Class of 2020

Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, has grown increasingly popular with gardeners for its adaptability and because butterflies love it. We will have five varieties at our Spring Plant Sale this  Saturday (event details below), and Duke Gardens members can get first dibs at Friday’s members-only preview sale. Here are two varieties that gardeners are sure to love.

Heuchera 'Rose Quartz'. Photo by A. Yang.

Heuchera ‘Rose Quartz’ is a gorgeous metallic-looking plant best known for the holographic effect of its impressive foliage. The leaf color starts out as a light dusty rose before transitioning to a light pewter color. In early summer, pink buds give way to cream flowers, making this the perfect summer-blooming perennial to add to any garden.

Heuchera ‘Rose Quartz’ attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and bees, and it’s deer resistant. This is a fairly easy-to-grow plant that demonstrates more tolerance of heat and humidity than many other species. Native to the Southeast, Heuchera ‘Rose Quartz’ thrives and produces the most vibrant colors in partial shade environments, although it will also do fine in full sun with constant moisture. In the spring, any damaged leaves should be removed for optimal regrowth. Good drainage is crucial to this plant, and when it is given consistent care, it may act as an evergreen.

The colorful spread of the ‘Rose Quartz’ foliage can reach 12 inches, making it a focal point for borders and containers. Planting time is from late winter to late spring or late summer to early fall. Late summer will provide the best display of blooms in the spring. Consider using this plant to provide a mysterious shimmer to your garden border.

Heuchera ‘Citronelle’ was created accidentally by gardeners attempting to produce its close relative Heuchera ‘Caramel’. It is considered a Heuchera villosa hybrid and is native to the Southeast. Featuring vibrant citron leaves with silver undersides and cream-colored flowers, Heuchera ‘Citronelle’ is a colorful container plant perfect for gardeners looking to spice up their arrangements.

Like the Heuchera ‘Rose Quartz’, ‘Citronelle’ attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and bees, and it is deer resistant. Unlike its heat-resistant cousin, however, ‘Citronelle’ is more sensitive to sun and will experience color fading if placed in full sun. This species requires weekly watering, though more frequent watering may be necessary in extreme heat. Good drainage is essential, and the only pruning required is removing any winter-damaged leaves during the spring.

This bright yellow plant is well-paired with hostas (see our hosta preview here), and it can be used as an edge or container plant. It is easy to grow and complements most perennial arrangements. The leaves are low and form in clumps, making it the perfect plant for perennial borders. Heuchera ‘Citronelle’ is a cheery plant to brighten any summertime garden.

SPRING PLANT SALE INFO:
Date: Saturday, April 7, 2018
Time: 8 a.m.-noon
Preview sale for members only: Friday, April 6, 4-6 pm. Duke Gardens members get 10% off at the preview sale and public sale, as well as a full list of plants in advance! Join online or on site.
Parking: Free.
Pets not permitted
Wagons + boxes: Our supply is limited; please bring your own if possible, and you'll have more time to spend gathering beautiful plants.
Your support helps Duke Gardens to provide summer internships to aspiring horticulturists from across the nation.
Please see our event page for more information, and we'd love for you to spread the word by sharing the event on Facebook and inviting your friends.
Thank you!