Heuchera vs. Heucherella: Understanding the Differences

Explore the differences between Heuchera and Heucherella, their care tips, and how to choose the best perennial for your garden

When it comes to adding texture, color, and vibrancy to your garden, Heuchera and Heucherella often take center stage. While these two perennials may appear similar, they have distinct characteristics that make each unique. In this blog, we'll explore their differences, origins, and why you might choose one over the other for your garden.

Heuchera: The Coral Bells

Origin and Characteristics

Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is a genus of perennial plants native to North America. These plants are celebrated for their colorful foliage, which ranges from deep purples and bronzes to lime greens and silvery hues. Their delicate, bell-shaped flowers bloom on tall stems during spring and summer, adding elegance to shaded areas of the garden.

Popular Varieties

• Palace Purple: A classic with deep burgundy leaves.
• Lime Marmalade: Bright lime-green foliage that stands out in any landscape.
• Obsidian: Velvety black-purple leaves for a dramatic touch.

Best Use

Ideal for shady borders, mixed containers, or as ground covers in woodland gardens.

Heucherella: The Hybrid Wonder

Origin and Characteristics

Heucherella is a hybrid resulting from a cross between Heuchera and Tiarella (Foamflower). It combines the colorful foliage of Heuchera with the intricate, deeply lobed leaves and floral traits of Tiarella. These plants are often more vigorous and disease-resistant, making them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.

Popular Varieties

• Solar Eclipse: Dark, scalloped leaves edged in bright green.
• Alabama Sunrise: Unique gold foliage with red veins.
• Twilight: Deep purple leaves with a silvery overlay.

Best Use

Perfect for shaded gardens, borders, and as a complementary plant in mixed perennial beds.

Comparison Table: Heuchera vs. Heucherella

Feature	Heuchera	Heucherella
Origin	Native North American perennial.	Hybrid of Heuchera and Tiarella.
Foliage	Solid or veined; ruffled edges.	Deeply lobed, patterned leaves.
Flowers	Small, bell-shaped, on tall stems.	Star-shaped, more prominent blooms.
Color Range	Broad, from purple to lime green.	Often multicolored or patterned.
Growth Habit	Compact mounds, up to 12-18 inches.	Vigorous with slightly wider spread.
Shade Tolerance	Thrives in partial to full shade.	Prefers partial to full shade.
Maintenance	Low-maintenance, deadhead flowers.	Low-maintenance, resilient to pests.
Best Use	Borders, containers, ground cover.	Shaded gardens, mixed plantings.

Which Should You Choose?

Your choice between Heuchera and Heucherella depends on your garden's needs and style:

• For Vibrant Foliage: Choose Heuchera for its bold and diverse color palette.
• For Intricate Leaves: Opt for Heucherella if you prefer unique, patterned foliage.
• For Shady Gardens: Both thrive in shade, but Heucherella is often hardier and more disease-resistant.

Both Heuchera and Heucherella are exceptional additions to any garden, offering unique beauty and easy care. Whether you prefer the bold hues of Heuchera or the intricate patterns of Heucherella, these plants are sure to elevate your garden’s aesthetic.

Bring the beauty of Heuchera or Heucherella to your garden! Explore varieties here.