Heucherella

If you were looking for a plant that could be used in place of ipomoea or other trialing plants in combinations, baskets and landscape plantings, then consider the new Falls series of heucherellas from Terra Nova Nurseries. ‘Redstone Falls’ and ‘Yellowstone Falls’ combine the best characteristics of the company’s trailing tiarellas with Heuchera villosa.

‘Redstone Falls’ has broad copper leaves with darker veins in the spring and summer. During the fall and winter the leaves show a multitude of red and brown shades. It produces white foamy flowers on 15-inch stems all summer. Foliage height is 10 inches and plants can trail 3 feet or more. Plants do best in full sun, but still thrive in moderate shade.

‘Yellowstone Falls’ produces chartreuse, lobed leaves with deep-crimson markings. Foliage height is 6 inches tall and plants trail 24-36 inches. It does best in the shade, but can grow in morning sun locations.
If used as a groundcover, both rapidly growing varieties will root at every internode, providing the crown with nutrients and water, and maintaining a full, clean look. Unlike ipomoea, Falls series plants do not form tubers. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Plant 72-cell plugs in a well-drained growing medium with a pH of 5.6-6.8 with an electrical conductivity of 0.6-0.9. Allow the medium to dry out moderately between waterings. Fertilize the plants with 100 parts per million nitrogen.
Optimum temperature range is 45°F at night and 75°F during the day. Plants do best in moderate light levels. Plants grown in 4-inch pots finish in four to six weeks.

There are no major insect problems during production. In the landscape, watch for foliar nematodes and root weevils. Disease problems can include powdery mildew, rust and leaf spots. Root rots can be a problem if plants are overwatered. 
 
For more: Terra Nova Nurseries, (800) 215-9450; www.terranovanurseries.com.