As the flow of exciting new Heuchera varieties continues, this year two new introductions from America stand out. Both are from the breeding work of Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon, the company that has done so much to revolutionise what had become little more than an unfashionable cut flower. Now, of course, it’s foliage that is to the fore – foliage that lasts the whole year and often changes with the seasons.
‘Delta Dawn’ (above left) certainly changes as the months go buy. Its bold, rounded, gently lobed leaves are red in spring with a golden yellow rim, the colouring retreating to red veins in summer and the older foliage becoming green with a faint red stain.
This is a compact variety, reaching about 8in/20cm high and 12in/30cm across, the creamy white flowers are held just a few inches above the foliage in summer. This is a splendid container plant, or can be used at the front of partially shaded borders. It takes summer heat unusually well – when necessary….
‘Spellbound’ (above right) is a different creature altogether, making a big bold clump 16in/40cm high and 14in/35cm wide. The foliage is also very different, silver with ruffled edges and dark veins, and with reddish purple margins to the leaves – especially in spring. That reddish colouring also covers the backs of the leaves. As is the case with ‘Delta Dawn’, the white flowers add little to the display.
Dramatic as a specimen, try two in matching terracotta pots at the top of some partially shaded steps – but never let the plants dry out.
