Seasonal Foliage Plant - Heuchera
Heuchera (pronounced HEW-kur-uh) are evergreen perennials with extremely attractive foliage in an extensive range of shapes, colours and textures. Native to North America, they are members of the Saxifragaceae family, the same group contains Astilbe and Bergenia.
Commonly known as coral bells or alumroot, they produce elegant stems of pink, white or red flowers in spring. Not only will they bring a welcome splash of colour to outdoor plant displays, but they are also excellent for contract work and exhibits – as demonstrated by Vervain at the Garden Museums celebration of British Flowers Week.
Why choose Heuchera?
Not only are the colours of the foliage outstanding, but their ruffled, deeply veined leaves will enhance any wedding design or funeral piece. Choose coppery tones to complement shades of toffee and tan, zesty lime for highlighting jewel colours and paler shades of pink and coral look lovely against a soft, pastel palette.
How to use Heuchera in floristry
As they are not available to buy as cut foliage, Heuchera need to be cut directly from a plant, which can be obtained from wholesalers or a local garden centre.
Cut as far down the stem as possible using sharp scissors.
Stand in a suitably sized container in fresh water out of direct sun and heat sources.
Mist occasionally if the atmosphere is hot and dry.
Vase life: Two to three weeks.
Heuchera in wedding work
Heuchera are strong enough to withstand wiring and manipulation, so are the perfect foliage for buttonholes, corsages and boutonnieres. When decorating tables, pop them into small vases or wire three or four together for impact before weaving into garlands and swags.
In funeral designs
For more traditional funeral pieces, Heuchera will enhance sprays on based tributes, but its stems are strong enough for pinning into moss based designs too. There is also the option to use the entire plant in a trough or basket alongside other flowers, which then can be planted into the garden afterwards.
How to grow Heuchera
Heuchera are easy to grow, hardy shrubs, which, once established, need little maintenance. They like moist, but well-drained soil in partial or dappled shade, full sun will scorch the leaves. Ideal for borders or containers, they will provide colour all year round and are an invaluable resource in the florist or flower arrangers' garden.
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
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