Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ is a popular perennial known for its striking foliage, adding rich color and texture to garden spaces. Often called Coral Bells, this cultivar thrives in various settings, making it a favored choice for many gardeners. Its vibrant appearance enhances garden aesthetics throughout much of the year.
Getting to Know Heuchera Boysenberry
Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ stands out with its distinctive, ruffled foliage, displaying deep purple, plum, or mahogany tones, often with a subtle reddish-pink underside. The leaves are rounded and lobed, creating a textural mound that reaches 10-12 inches in height and 16 inches in spread. While primarily grown for its captivating leaves, ‘Boysenberry’ also produces slender, upright stems bearing small, white, bell-shaped flowers from late spring into summer, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Essential Care for Heuchera Boysenberry
Light Needs
Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ thrives in partial shade, receiving morning sun but protected from intense afternoon rays. In hotter climates, full shade may be preferable to prevent foliage scorching or color loss. Cooler regions can accommodate more direct sunlight if the soil remains consistently moist. Light influences the depth and richness of the leaf coloration.
Soil and Planting
Well-drained soil is important for Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ health, preventing waterlogging. Ideal soil includes rich organic matter, ensuring drainage and moisture retention. While adaptable to various soil types including clay, loam, and sand, it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. When planting, spade or till the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches and incorporate a 2-4 inch layer of organic material like compost or shredded leaves.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’, especially during establishment and periods of drought or extreme heat. The soil should not dry out completely between waterings. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. While adequate hydration is necessary, proper drainage is equally important to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root issues.
Fertilizing
Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ is a light feeder and does not require heavy fertilization. A spring application of a half-inch layer of aged compost around the plant’s base provides necessary nutrients. Alternatively, a light dose of a slow-release fertilizer or mild organic plant food can be applied in spring. Over-fertilizing, particularly with high-nitrogen products, can lead to excessive foliage growth and may diminish the plant’s characteristic leaf coloration.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular maintenance involves removing dead, damaged, or unsightly foliage to maintain its attractive appearance. While primarily grown for its leaves, spent flower stalks can be deadheaded after blooming, though optional. In late fall or early spring, cutting the plant back to a few inches above ground encourages fresh new growth as temperatures rise. Dividing the plant every 3-5 years helps maintain vigor and prevents the woody rootstock from lifting too far out of the ground.
Addressing Common Challenges
Even with proper care, Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ can encounter common issues. Strawberry root weevils are a pest concern; their creamy-white, C-shaped grubs feed on roots, causing plants to “fall off” at the crown. Adult weevils, identified by munched leaves, are active late May to early June and controlled with systemic insecticides applied at night. Foliar nematodes can also affect heuchera, leading to discoloration and distorted growth.
Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ may be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, thriving in humidity. Rust manifests as dark spots on the upper leaf surface with orange patches underneath; while rarely fatal, it is highly contagious. Ensuring good air circulation around plants and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal issues. Scorched or faded leaves often indicate too much direct sun exposure or insufficient moisture, requiring an adjustment in placement or watering schedule.
Winter Care and Longevity
Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ is hardy and can withstand winter temperatures down to approximately -25°F when planted in the ground, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. In cold areas, mulching in late fall protects roots from freezing. A 6-8 inch layer of shredded bark, compost, leaves, or straw over the crown provides insulation.
In milder climates, ‘Boysenberry’ can be semi-evergreen, retaining foliage throughout winter. In colder regions, it may go dormant, with new growth emerging in spring. Good drainage is important during winter, as excessive moisture with cold temperatures can lead to root rot. Containerized plants in very cold areas can be moved to an unheated, protected space, and their soil moisture should be checked periodically.
Creative Uses for Heuchera Boysenberry
The rich, deep coloration and mounding habit of Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ make it a versatile plant for various garden designs. Its striking foliage provides year-round interest, serving as a focal point in borders or mass plantings. Planted in drifts, it creates a cohesive, colorful display at the front of garden beds.
‘Boysenberry’ also performs well in containers, where its unique color can be showcased on patios or walkways. Its compact size makes it suitable for rock gardens or as a groundcover, suppressing weeds while adding visual appeal. The deep hues of ‘Boysenberry’ complement plants with chartreuse, silver, or light green foliage, creating appealing contrasts and enhancing the overall garden palette.