Heuchera 'Marmalade'

Heuchera 'Marmalade': Amber Ruffles, Hot Pink Petticoats

'Marmalade' can't decide on one colour, so it cycles through all of them. Glossy, wavy leaves emerge red, then mellow to amber and gold with pink undersides. THE TOAST HAS OPTIONS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Heuchera hybrid
• Common Name: Coral Bells
• Series: MARMALADE™ series, from Terra Nova Nurseries
• Height: 25–30 cm (10–12 in) in leaf; flower stems reach about 45 cm (18 in)
• Spread: 45 cm (18 in)
• Flowers: Small white bells on red stems
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Glossy, wavy leaves that emerge red and age to amber and gold, with pink undersides. Evergreen in mild winters.
• Plant Patent: USPP 15,945

Where to Plant: It's a good front-of-border plant in light shade, where its warm amber tones add a glow. It also makes a reliable filler for autumn containers.

Companion Plants: Brunnera macrophylla adds blue spring flowers in April and May, a cool contrast to the orange-toned leaves. Rodgersia aesculifolia rises behind with bold leaves and cream flowers in June and July. Liriope 'Royal Purple' brings purple flower spikes in August and September. This is a layered planting for shade and part shade.

Plant Care: Plant in rich, well-drained soil with the crown at soil level. Avoid low spots where spring meltwater sits, and loosen clay with compost before planting. Morning sun deepens the colour; hot afternoon sun can scorch it. Water through dry spells, especially in the first season, and add a light mulch to keep roots cool. Cut off spent flower stems after bloom. In early spring, remove any leaves that look ragged from winter. Divide every three or four years, or when the woody crown begins to rise out of the soil.

History: Janet Egger bred 'Marmalade' at Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon from a cross of 'Amber Waves' and 'Huntsman', and it was patented in 2005. Its later lime-leaved sport became 'Lime Marmalade', and the two now anchor Terra Nova's MARMALADE™ series.

Final Thoughts: Give it a shady spot and let it change outfits all season. The deer aren't interested. BITTERSWEET, MINUS THE BITTER.