Heuchera Caramel

Much less temperamental than other Heucheras, this unusual species is rugged and eager to please!

The most beautiful Heuchera yet is also one of the very best for your garden, especially if you live in a hot, humid climate. Caramel is much more heat- and humidity-tolerant than other Heucheras, and its vigorous growth of honey-apricot leaves and clusters of light pink blooms will keep the shade garden colorful from spring through fall.The new leaves unfurl bright gold in spring, covered with a fine down that remains on the leaves as the seasons change. With warmer weather, the leaves take on apricot hues, making the plant glow even more warmly in the shade. And in midsummer — after all other Heucheras in the garden have already bloomed! — clusters of whitish-pink blossoms arise on slender 18-inch stems.

Delightful Heuchera is a native American plant, and this unusual species (H. villosa) is native to the Southeast, so you know Caramel is prepared to take some heat and humidity. A terrific garden presence, it’s also indifferent to unseasonable cold and is content in a wide range of soils (though preferring acidic) and, despite being a shade lover, really tolerates quite a lot of sun.In the partly-shaded garden, Caramel makes the ideal companion to Ferns of all types, blue- and green-leafed Hostas, and Brunnera. Of course it’s right at home among other Heucheras, as well as its cousins Heucherella and Tiarella. Reaching 15 inches high and 20 inches wide, Caramel makes a wonderful overplanting for late spring bulbs, an edging for garden paths, and a fine container subject. But I like it best in the border, where it can create great drifts of warm color that last through three seasons.Space these plants about 18 inches apart in part shade to full sun