Heuchera 'Caramel' PP16560

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Foliage color in full shade

Common Name: Coral Bells

Popular selection prized for its vigor and densely robust habit. 'Caramel' is a robust grower with fuzzy, leaves that range in color from apricot to amber depending on light levels and temperature. Purple-red undersides. Cream flowers. It has much brighter coloration than 'Amber Waves' and has a fabulous compact habit. It looks great in containers or as edging. From Thierry Delabroye of France, discovered by his wife, Sandrine.

This plant is a Heuchera villosa hybrid. The H. villosa species is a large, late blooming type that exhibits an increased tolerance of high heat and humidity over other species. Most produce cream flowers in midsummer, though they are grown more for their fantastic foliage. H. villosa is native to the southeastern United States.

Coral bells are easy to grow and blend easily with most other perennials in the landscape. Because of their low, mounding habit, they are often used as edging along paths or in containers. Try cutting a few of the tall flower scapes for fresh bouquets.

Height:

12.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-15.0 Inches

Scape Height:

14.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

White Shades

Foliage Color:

Yellow shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen Fall Color

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Formal

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Foliage Easy To Grow Edging Mass Planting Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Native to North America

Heucheras are easy perennials to grow and fit nicely in the front of any border, rock garden, or container. They grow most vigorously and have the stongest colors when grown in partial shade (preferably afternoon shade). They can also be grown in full shade but their growth rate will be very slow. Some varieties can withstand full sun in northern climates if they have consistant moisture, but their colors tend to fade with the intensity of the sun. The soil should be amended with organic matter prior to planting. It should also have good drainage and a neutral pH.

Heucheras are evergreen in areas with mild winters. If properly sited out of the way of winter winds and with reliable snow cover, gardeners in northern regions may also find their heucheras acting as evergreens. If the plant looks tattered by early spring, shear off any damaged leaves to make room for the vibrant new foliage which will fill in quickly.

Heucheras can be grown under Black Walnut trees because they are resistant to the toxin Juglone which the trees emit from their roots.

Heucheras are also salt tolerant. They are useful in the north along pathways which are salted in winter or for people gardening in coastal regions. Occasionally in northern regions, heucheras have a tendancy to heave out of the ground because of the freeze/thaw cycle. To combat heaving, add an extra layer of compost around the plant's roots in the fall. In the spring, if the plants have heaved at all, the new roots will grow into the fresh new layer of compost.

Awards

Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit -- 2013

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Plant -- 2022

Characteristics