Expert-Tested New Heucheras That Are Better Than the Classics

Green variability and adaptability set them apart

Hecheras come in leaf colors—chili, cinnamon, amber, peach, grape, plum, and chartreuse; Some show a combination of colors at once or are green in color. The leaves and veins are often red, burgundy, or silvery, etched, or covered. Leaf size, shape, and texture vary, and leaves may be flat, cupped, curled, or rugose. But don't forget flowers—they provide color and movement and often complement foliage well. Most flower color comes from the inflorescence; Petals are usually insignificant or absent. Airy clusters of small flowers are held on wiry stems above the leaves and attract bees and butterflies in late spring and summer.

1. 'Silver Gumdrop'

'Silver Gumdrop' (H. 'Silver Gumdrop') made my recommendation list two years before completing its trial in 2021 due to its beauty and strong habit. The leaves are initially purple in color, then gradually become silvery purple and dark airy. The pinkish-purple flowers open in late spring, with a blush of purple clinging to the new leaves. 'Silver Gumdrop' is a prolific bloomer, so deadheading makes for an elegant plant and maximizes the display of late-season foliage. Leaves turn purple again in fall and keep their color through winter, although dried foliage can obscure the view. 'Silver Gumdrop' was planted in inhospitable conditions such as dry, cracked, clay soil and full sunlight, and still excelled. However, in hot, dry seasons, some of the flares decay into bright foliage. A little afternoon shade is best.

2. 'Carnival Cocomint'

Green-leafed hecheras are often overlooked, given the amazing colors available. To be precise, 'Carnival Cocomint' (H. 'Carnival Cocomint') describes green water in distinct color levels. Young leaves are green in color spreading from the veins with a burgundy central point. The color retreats to the veins only when a silvery overlay forms, accentuating the green tape at the edges and finally the silver turns pale green. Small hot-pink petals nestle in yellow-green bracts in late spring. 'Carnival Cocomint' is a prolific bloomer, with many tall flower stalks rising 20 inches above strong leafy mounds. Plants in the Carnival series have H. villosa parents, which give them better heat and humidity tolerance.

3. 'Colour Dream'

Rated from 2005 to 2011, 'Color Dream' (H. 'Color Dream') is the oldest cultivar in the mix—but it's still the best of any of our tests, and has been the only new Hechera for years. I suggested. The silvery leaves are veined with purple veins and are silvery green with dull green veins in adulthood; New leaves are flushed purple for a short time, and the undersides are purple. Small, greenish-white petals peek out from purple calyces that match the flower's scapes and sport early purple accents. 'Color Dream' is a strong bloomer but took a few years to push significant flowers. A compact habit with flower stalks nearly doubles in summer. Besides being attractive, the plants were healthy and thrived in poor soil and midday sun. Happily, 'Color Dream' was also among the silver-leaved cultivars in the 2012-2014 trials at the Mount Cuba Center.

4. 'Carnival Watermelon'

It should have been easy to predict my favorite variety; I love dark purple-leaved heathers, and the current trial has some great ones. But from the beginning, 'Carnival Watermelon' (H. 'Carnival Watermelon') captured my imagination. Its large leaves are a beautiful combination of orange-red, pink and peach hues with magenta undersides. As spring turns to summer, the leaves turn silver and green, flushed with soft hints of earlier colors. A dramatic color show is made possible by a very bold plant scale. Tall bronze flower stems echo colorful leaves and hold loose clusters of creamy white and pink flowers.

5. 'Cherry Cola'

I have a lot on my mind about the fate of cultivation in hyper-bred varieties like Hechera. How many new introductions are too many at once, and how many cultivars can make a lasting impact on a growing market? 'Cherry Cola' (H. 'Cherry Cola') was a favorite of mine from 2011 to 2014, which means it can be hard to find now. I loved its vivid vermilion leaves so much that I made a place for it in my garden. It was an excellent companion to 'Areola' Japanese forest grass (Hakonegloa magra 'Areola', Zones 5-9) until a few years ago, the broad stems of a non-climbing clematis (Clematis 'Mrs. Robert Brydon', Zones 4-9) overwhelmed it. I tried to recreate the magic with several less satisfying looks—but it was Mr. Turns out, Pipp was out of stock because Dr. Pepper was sold out, so I finally ordered it. We grew 'Cherry Cola' in full sun and its dark red leaves turned bright red-orange in mid-summer. It looked beautiful in any color, doubly so because the leaves, flower stems and flowers are all the same beautiful color.

6. 'Wildberry'

My notes repeatedly describe 'Wildberry' (H. 'Wildberry') as glowing, a dubious description for a plant with deep purple leaves—except it's true; The wrinkled surface of the glossy leaves reflects light like the facets of a gem. Color was strongest in spring and fall, but color persisted in hot weather; In high summer a silvery shade slightly mutes the intensity of the purple. The rosy-pink flowers over a foot above the plant complement the dark stems and foliage well. 'Wildberry' is now my go-to when recommending a reliable, beautiful, dark-leaved Hechera. We are interested to see how 'Frosted Berry' (H. 'Frosted Berry'), a silver-leaved 'Wildberry' game, is progressing.

7. 'Ball Gown'

The vibrant sunny yellow and chartreuse foliage of 'Ball Gown' (H. 'Ball Gown') is off the charts. In our garden, it's the perfect complement to the common ajuca (Ajuca genevensis, zones 3-9), which is covered in dark purple-blue flowers when the 'Pal Gown' lights up in May. Green is predominant in summer, but new leaves are always bright yellow. The creamy yellow flowers feel like an afterthought; They disappear against the bright leaves and are not yet numerous. 'Ball Gown''s robust habit is enhanced by its large, rugged leaves. Protection from strong sun is best to reduce leaf scorch, which can quickly turn ugly.

8. 'Toffee Tart'

Preferences are easy to change objectively; Where I had to check myself in this experiment was the leaf color. I'm not naturally appreciative of earth tones, preferring deep purples and sultry reds, so it took a while to see the true beauty of 'Toffee Tart' (H. 'Taffy Tart'). But I got there! The caramel-colored leaves of spring turn to ginger and amber in summer. Although they are said to have a silver coating, I didn't see it. As the leaves twist in the wind, undertones of pale purple emerge to complement each color stage. Half of our plants were shaded from the afternoon sun, while others took the brunt of its heat and light, and it showed. These soft colors benefit from shade or protection from the western sun.

9. Northern Expression™ Black

There's a lot to be said for the Northern Exposure™ collection—strong habits, large leaves, great leaf colors and cold-hardiness. The parents of these plants include the northern species, H. richardsoni - Native to much of Canada, including the American Midwest and Northwest Territories. Northern Exposure™ Black, Lime, and Purple are available in trials, but there are also silver, red, and amber choices. Northern Exposure™ Black (H. 'TNHEUEB') has glossy, black-burgundy leaves and pink flowers on tall stems. It is truly a beautiful plant and has a strong performance. By its second summer the leaf mounds were a decent size, but the large shaggy leaves (5 inches wide) made the plants appear too large.