Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, offers a vibrant display of foliage, making it a favored choice for gardeners. The ‘Scarlet Kisses’ cultivar stands out with its distinctive deep red leaves, often adorned with a silvery overlay or intricate veining, adding a striking visual element to any garden. This ornamental perennial is known for its hardiness and consistent beauty throughout the growing season. Its mounding habit and colorful leaves provide an attractive foundation for various planting schemes.
Understanding ‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera
‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera features deep red or burgundy leaves, often highlighted by a silvery sheen or delicate veining. This cultivar forms compact, rounded mounds, typically reaching 8 to 12 inches in height and a similar spread. Beyond its striking foliage, the plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers, often pinkish-white, on slender stems held above the leaves. These airy flower stalks add texture and appeal. Depending on the climate, ‘Scarlet Kisses’ is evergreen or semi-evergreen, offering year-round interest in milder regions. In colder areas, some leaves may die back during winter but reliably re-sprout in spring.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Light
For successful growth, ‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera thrives in partial shade, ideally receiving a few hours of morning sun and protection from intense afternoon sun. Too much direct sun, especially in warmer climates, can lead to leaf scorch, causing foliage to fade or brown. Darker-leaf varieties, like ‘Scarlet Kisses’, generally tolerate more sun exposure, which can enhance their rich hues.
Soil & Water
Ideal soil for ‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5). If your garden soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or organic materials to improve drainage and aeration. For sandy soils, adding organic matter helps retain moisture. Consistent moisture is important, especially when newly planted and during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Water deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather, directing water to the base to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal issues.
Hardiness & Planting
‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera is hardy across USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. Planting is best in spring or early fall, allowing roots time to establish before extreme temperatures. When planting, ensure the crown remains at or just above the soil surface to prevent rot, rather than burying it too deeply. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart for adequate air circulation and mature growth.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Pruning
Once established, ‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera care is straightforward. Pruning involves removing spent flower stalks at their base after blooms fade to redirect energy towards foliage production and encourage additional flowering. Regularly snipping damaged, discolored, or old foliage promotes new growth and keeps the plant tidy. This is useful in late summer or early spring to refresh its appearance.
Fertilization
‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera is not a heavy feeder and requires minimal input. An annual application of compost or a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer around the plant’s base in spring usually provides sufficient nutrients. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and may harm the plant’s roots.
Winter Care
In colder zones, apply mulch around the plant’s base in fall to insulate roots and prevent “frost heaving” (a condition where freezing and thawing cycles push the plant out of the soil). While ‘Scarlet Kisses’ is semi-evergreen, its leaves provide natural winter protection, so cutting them back in fall is generally unnecessary.
Division
Divide ‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera every three to five years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, especially as the plant matures and its center becomes woody. Spring is the best time for division, allowing new sections ample time to establish roots before winter. This process also provides an opportunity to propagate new plants from healthy divisions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pests
Even with proper care, ‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera can face common issues. Black vine weevils are a concern; larvae feed on roots, weakening growth, while adults notch leaf margins. Slugs and snails cause ragged holes in foliage, particularly on new growth. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses on leaf undersides, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
Diseases
Fungal diseases affect Heuchera. Root rot occurs in poorly drained soil, leading to wilting and yellowing leaves. Powdery mildew, a white, powdery substance on leaves, arises with poor air circulation. Heuchera rust (Puccinia heucherae) manifests as small, brown spots on the upper leaf surface with orange-brown pustules underneath. This rust type typically only affects Heuchera.
Environmental Stressors
Environmental stressors impact plant health. Leaf scorch, browning or crisping leaf edges, signals too much direct sun exposure, especially in hot climates. Lack of vigor, like stunted growth or decline, may indicate improper light, inadequate drainage, or a need for division. Addressing these environmental factors and pest or disease issues promptly maintains the health and beauty of ‘Scarlet Kisses’ Heuchera.