Heuchera and the winter weather

Hi All

Heuchera and the winter weather , I dug most of mine up and put into largeish pots in the Autumn and have kept in the greenhouse since and all looking amazing for March , the 3 I left out (variety Silver Scrolls) look almost dead so I am happy I had a couple spare .

I have come to the conclusion that where I live they are better off in the greenhouse rather than left outside is it just me or do others have the same problem or is it the variety's I grow.

Spruce

 

Maybe, Spruce, I've never really rated them as an all-round garden plant. They're a bit of a fashion fad, looking great at point-of-sale but usually looking not-that-great in ordinary garden situations.
I like them when they are looking fluffed-up with fertiliser and soft living, straight from the polytunnel but not when they are leggy and tatty-leaved from real-life in the garden. Mine are under snow at the moment but they didn't look good last time I saw them.

 

I was given a few fancy ones as presents (Creme Brulee, Lime something and Peaches and Cream) from memory as all no longer with me!. All died during their 1st winter here. I was a bit annoyed as pretty sure the labels stated them to be hardy...not in my experience. Can grow the old fashioned ones (Palace Purple, Plum Pudding and got another one which can't remember the name of). I don't know anybody in these parts who has had any success with the exotic coloured ones if they are left to cope with the elements and I think the breeders/sellers should be a more honest. Not that fussed as agree with Madahhlia re them being a "fashion fad". Perhaps they are best treated as annuals although I wouldn't pay what some outlets want for them. Perhaps those who live in the South of England have more success?altho theirs might also be struggling with current weather which isn't restricted to north of The Border!

 

£8.99 for some nesh thing that gives up in it's first winter? I don't think so! The purple ones do seem a bit hardier. Cuttings are pretty straightforward as well.

 

Totally agree, child's play to increase numbers (break a bit of new growth off and plant back in the ground, sorted). Had Palace Purple for about 20 years so that has proved to me anyway that it is a worthy plant for anywhere other than really extremely cold climates. Will NOT be trying any other "exotic" Heucheras. Have been reliably informed (not by a seller!) that some of the hybridized Heucherellas are much tougher and worth growing.