Santa Rosa Gardens

Clump-forming perennial features a mound of maple, or ivy-like, long-petioled leaves (3-5" wide) which are an attractive deep purple above and beet red beneath. Foliage color may fade to a bronze green in hot summers. Tiny, pinkish white, bell-shaped flowers in open, airy panicles are borne on slender, wiry, dark red stems extending well above the mound of leaves typically to a height of 15-24" in late spring to early summer.  Reliable perennial valued for its winter presence and summer contrast. Like many heucheras it is good for half shade in a woodland edge position, but in moist soil and cloudy climates it tolerates an open position in full sun. Not drought tolerate, unless plenty of humus is added to the soil. Remove stems of faded flower panicles to encourage continued bloom (bloom is more apt to repeat in cool summer climates than hot ones). In cold winter climates, a winter mulch applied after the ground freezes will help prevent root heaving (clumps are shallow-rooted and will develop woody bases rather quickly). Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years. Attracts hummingbirds to the garden!  Both flowers and leaves are popular with flower arrangers for cutting, while in the garden they associate well with other compact plants as their foliage makes a good foil for both bright colours and pastels. They look especially good used around the edge of a border.