Heuchera

This is the familiar version of Heuchera, aka Coral Bells. I have this one growing in the shade garden across the pond, amongst lots of native plants, hosta and sweetbush, as well as plenty of poison ivy. I am leaving it there, eeeouww.
One can barely see the leaves, but I wanted to feature the flowers in this shot, since they happen to be in bloom.

I confess to being addicted to Heuchera in my garden. I can't resist a new variety, and sometimes buy something I already have because they are so varied in color, depending on where they were grown, in sun or shade, that I don't recognize them at the time of purchase.

One specimen that I got in a very small state initially was this Autumn Bride. A sad little plant in its 2" pot, I took it home and stuck it in an inconspicuous spot. And then it took hold and became enormous. It is fighting for dominance with the gigantic Sum and Substance Hosta. I am thinking the Bride will win out and I will have to find a better spot for S and S. There are flowers to come from this plant but I just like the leaves, as the flower stalks have boring tiny nothing flowers.
I liked the results I got from my first Autumn Bride so much that I got a second one last year, the little sister to the big girl. Notice the difference in leaf size compare to the adjacent heucheras, Palace Purple and the peachy colored Southern Comfort.

Heucheras range in color from silver to red, to orange and strange colors in between like beige. Some like my Autumn Bride turn to vibrant orange and red in autumn. They thrive in shade or morning sun come back even after the coldest winters.


Who needs flowers when so much color can be had from these leafy beauties?