The term “Cordovan planta” refers to Heuchera ‘Cordovan’, a popular perennial known for its distinctive foliage. While “planta” is Spanish for plant, in gardening, “Cordovan” specifically identifies this cultivar of Coral Bells. This article focuses on Heuchera ‘Cordovan’, highlighting its characteristics, cultivation, and use in garden design.
Understanding Heuchera ‘Cordovan’
Heuchera ‘Cordovan’, commonly known as Coral Bells, is a striking perennial primarily grown for its unique leaf coloration. Its leaves display a deep, lustrous reddish-brown to burgundy hue, often with darker veining. This rich color provides consistent visual interest and can intensify or subtly shift depending on light exposure and seasonal changes.
The foliage forms a tidy, mounding habit, typically reaching heights of 6 to 18 inches and spreading 1 to 2.5 feet wide. Individual leaves are generally palmate or heart-shaped, often with ruffled or lobed edges, contributing to a textured appearance. While primarily a foliage plant, Heuchera ‘Cordovan’ also produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers on slender, wiry stalks that rise above the foliage, usually in late spring to midsummer. These small blooms, often in shades of white, pink, or red, attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Heuchera ‘Cordovan’ performs best in partial to full shade, receiving four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Intense afternoon sun can scorch leaves, though darker-leaved types like ‘Cordovan’ often tolerate more sun exposure, which can enhance their color.
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is optimal for Heuchera ‘Cordovan’. Heavy clay soils should be amended with compost to improve drainage and aeration, as soggy conditions can lead to crown rot. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.0, is ideal. When planting, ensure the crown of the plant is positioned at or slightly above the soil surface to prevent moisture accumulation around the plant’s base.
Consistent moisture is important for Heuchera ‘Cordovan’, especially during establishment and dry periods. The soil should remain evenly moist but never waterlogged to prevent root issues. While established plants exhibit some drought tolerance, supplemental watering during hot spells ensures continued vigor. Heucheras are hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9, tolerating a range of temperatures.
Care and Maintenance
Fertilizing is not heavily required for Heuchera ‘Cordovan’. A light application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in spring, or amending the soil with compost, can support healthy growth. Over-fertilization can reduce flowering.
Pruning involves removing spent flower stalks, known as deadheading, which encourages more blooms. Old or damaged leaves can also be trimmed at the base to refresh foliage and improve air circulation. Heucheras are relatively short-lived perennials, benefiting from division every three to five years to rejuvenate the plant.
Common issues for Heuchera include root rot in poorly drained soils, slugs, and powdery mildew. Proper drainage and good air circulation help prevent these problems. In colder regions, applying a layer of mulch in late fall protects the shallow root system from frost heaving during winter freeze-thaw cycles.
Landscape Design Applications
Heuchera ‘Cordovan’ offers versatility in garden design. Its mounding habit and rich color make it an excellent choice for container gardening, either as a standalone specimen or as part of a mixed arrangement. It pairs well with other plants that offer contrasting textures or colors.
The plant’s compact size and striking hue make it suitable for borders and edging, providing a consistent line of color at the front of a garden bed. In shaded areas, Heuchera ‘Cordovan’ becomes a focal point, brightening darker garden corners and complementing other shade-loving plants such as ferns, hostas, and astilbes. Its deep burgundy tones create visual interest when contrasted with chartreuse, silver, or light green foliage plants.
Planting Heuchera ‘Cordovan’ in groups or mass plantings enhances its visual impact, creating a cohesive and colorful display.