Peach Flambé

Heuchera

by Jacob Berg

Botanical Information

Family: Saxifragaceae       Height:  7 inches

Genus: Heuchera             Width:  14 inches

Species: sanguinea            USDA Hardiness Zones:  4-9Peach Flambe Heuchera

        Peach Flambé Heuchera is a relatively low maintenance herbaceous perennial. It performs best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sun. Morning  and late afternoon sun will benefit Peach Flambé significantly. Peach Flambé will have the most intense foliage color if you provide it with afternoon shade. Peach Flambé first displays a vibrant peach color that will deepen into burgundy during the summer months and will eventually turn into a deep plum in late fall.

 

Planting Instructions

  1. Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the container.Peach Flambe Heuchera
  2. Place the Heuchera slightly above ground level.
  3. Backfill with 3/4 the existing soil You can amend the soil at this time making sure not to remove more than 1/4 of the original soil
  4. Water in the backfill by turning the hose on slowly for one to two minutes. This procedure will eliminate any air pockets in the soil.
  5. Fill the remaining quarter of the soil into the planting hole after the soil has settled.
  6. Use an organic mulch such as cedar or cypress and place near the base of the heuchera. Be sure to place the mulch at least an inch away from the base of the plant to prevent root and stem rot.

Care Instructions

   The following tips will help your Peach Flambé Heuchera establish a strong, healthy root system:

  • Check the moisture content around the plant for the first couple weeks to prevent it from drying out. Stick your finger up until your first knuckle into the top layer of the soil  to see whether or not it will need water.
  • Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch over the entire heuchera in early November. Remove an inch of mulch weekly beginning in early April. Mulching over the plant prevent heaving during harsh winters when the ground continuously freezes and thaws. The dramatic temperature fluctuation usually results in the death of the plant due to the plant being pushed above the surface.
  • Adding a fresh layer of composted manure is also beneficial near the base of the heuchera. The composted manure ensures the roots exposed above the surface will establish a new root system.

Fertilizing

  • Use an All Purpose Water Soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Gro All Purpose (20-20-20) every four weeks after planting. Follow the previous procedure the following growing seasons. Heucheras do not need any stronger fertilizer.
  • Mix one tablespoon for every gallon of water if you are using a water soluble fertilizer.
  • Use a slow release granule such as Osmocote if you use Peach Flambé in combination container plantings  for seasonal interest. Nutrients are released into the soil each time you water
  • Follow the directions for the amount of slow release granules as stated on the package. The amount of slow release granules varies depending on the width and size of the container.
  • Either the water soluble or the slow release granules are beneficial.

Propagation Methods

Division

  1. In early spring, divide the Heuchera once it is at least 3 inches in height.
  2. Take a shovel and dig roughly 6 inches from the base of the Heuchera.
  3. Use a sharp knife and us rubbing alcohol (70% alcohol concentration) to sterilize the knife.
  4. Slice through the rootstock, but make sure to leave a strong root system for each new Heuchera.
  5. Follow the planting procedure as stated above.

Asexual Propagation

  1. First, Sterilize a sharp knife with rubbing alcohol.
  2. Take a 3-4 inch vegetative cutting off of your Heuchera. Newer leaves root more readily than older ones.
  3. Apply an auxin such as IBA to the base of the stem in order to promote rooting and callus formation.
  4. Place the stem in an empty, sterilized seed tray cell.
  5. Lightly mist a soiless potting soil (1/3 Vermiculite, 1/3 Peat Moss,1/3 Perlite).
  6. Add the soiless mix into the empty seed tray cell and fill it up 3/4 the way.
  7. Apply bottom heat from a heating mat to maintain temperature around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Check after two weeks to see if it has begun the process of rooting. Grab the stem and give a light tug. If it resists, the stem is beginning to root.
  9. Check weekly and maintain consistent moisture. If the soil is light to the touch, then you will not have to water it.
  10. The Heuchera should begin to form new leaves in approximately 6-8 weeks. Let the Heuchera grow an additional 3-4 weeks until it has formed at least 3-4 leaves.
  11. Acclimate the new Heuchera to outside conditions for at least a week. Slowly increase the amount of light each day. A shaded patio or porch with morning sun is ideal.
  12. Follow the planting procedure stated above.

 

References

http://www.terranovanurseries.com

http://www.perennialresource.com/

http://plants.usda.gov/

http://www.djroger.com/peach%20flambe.htm

Gardenimport.com >

 

If you have any further questions, please contact me at jacob.berg@ndsu.edu