Heuchera Autumn Leaves

Heuchera Autumn Leaves

Why Buy Me?

• Great all year-round foliage
• Masses of colours to choose from
• Stunning when grouped together
• Easy to grow, low maintenance

Growing Conditions

Light:
Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' performs best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. In hot areas, some afternoon shade is ideal to prevent the foliage from scorching. For optimal growth and vibrant colour, it requires at least 4–6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.

Soil:
Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH. Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' tolerates a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.

Exposure:
This plant is adaptable to different conditions, but it thrives best when sheltered from harsh winds and intense midday sun. Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' is hardy in most climates and can tolerate both colder and milder conditions, making it suitable for a variety of garden types.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderately drought-tolerant once established. While it can withstand dry conditions, regular watering will keep it looking its best. It’s important to maintain consistent moisture during the growing season, especially during dry spells.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in spring or early autumn. Spring planting gives the plant a full growing season to establish itself, while autumn planting allows the roots to settle in before winter sets in.

Spacing:
Space plants 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart to allow for room to spread and to encourage air circulation. Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' typically grows to a height of 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) with a similar spread, forming a compact, bushy clump.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but will benefit from watering during long dry spells. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth and fewer flowers.

Mulching & Pruning:
Apply a light layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature stable. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to maintain the plant’s tidy appearance and encourage continued blooming. In late winter or early spring, cut back old foliage to make way for fresh growth.

Propagation:
Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' can be propagated by division in spring or autumn. Every 2-3 years, divide the plant to keep it healthy and maintain its compact shape. It can also be propagated from stem cuttings in early summer, although division is the most common method.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
In early spring, new foliage begins to emerge, showcasing its distinctive warm, amber to orange tones, which are characteristic of Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves'. This is when the plant’s fresh growth starts to shine.

Summer:
The foliage maintains its attractive, multi-toned colours, which deepen and intensify as the season progresses. In late spring to early summer, it sends up slender flower spikes with small, bell-shaped flowers, typically in soft cream or white hues.

Autumn:
As temperatures cool, the colours of Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' become even more pronounced, with the foliage turning rich shades of red, bronze, and amber, creating a spectacular display. This is when the plant is at its most vibrant, providing beautiful autumnal interest in the garden.

Winter:
In colder climates, Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' dies back to the ground in winter but will regrow from its roots in spring. In milder climates, it may retain some of its foliage during the winter months, providing interest in the garden during the off-season.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' is attractive to hummingbirds and bees, especially during its flowering period. Its bell-shaped flowers are a great nectar source for pollinators in late spring to early summer.

Garden Use:
This versatile Heuchera variety is ideal for shady or partially shaded borders, woodland gardens, and container plantings. It’s perfect for adding vibrant colour to the front of borders, as ground cover, or as part of mixed plantings in shaded areas.

Companion Plants:
It pairs beautifully with other shade-loving plants like Hosta, Astilbe, Brunnera, and Ferns. The warm amber and red tones of Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' contrast well with cool-toned foliage such as Hosta or Japanese Painted Fern. It also complements flowers like Astilbe, Columbine, or Bleeding Heart, offering a beautiful texture contrast.

Transform your home and garden with the Heuchera Autumn Leaves , a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.