Heuchera cylindrica ‘Greenfinch’

Heuchera cylindrica ‘Greenfinch’ (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 90cm

Eventual Spread: 50cm

Hardiness: 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b,7 a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Saxifragaceae

Heuchera cylindrica ‘Greenfinch’ is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial with a low growing, clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are rounded with up to 7 shallow lobes and dentate margins, up to 7cm long and 8cm across. Its yellow/ green flowers are bell shaped and arranged in dense terminal clusters. Its fruit is a small capsule.

Heuchera cylindrica ‘Greenfinch’ Flower (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The species Heuchera cylindrica, commonly known as Roundleaf Alumroot or Coral Flower, is native to the west of the United States. In its native habitat it grows on rocky slopes, grassland and open forests.

The etymological root of the binomial name Heuchera was named for Johann Heinrich von Heucher, the 18th century professor of medicine and botanist at Wittenberg, Germany. Cylindrica is from the Latin meaning ‘cylindrical, in reference to the the shape of the inflorescence.

The landscape architect may find Heuchera cylindrica ‘Greenfinch’ useful as a low growing ground cover plant, particularly in dappled shade locations. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.

Heuchera cylindrica ‘Greenfinch’ Leaf (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically,  Heuchera cylindrica ‘Greenfinch’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Heuchera cylindrica ‘Greenfinch’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral pH of soil. This plant will not tolerate water-logging.

Heuchera cylindrica ‘Greenfinch’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in autumn.



Landscape Architecture

Astilbe chinensis

Astilbe chinensis (18/07/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Family: Saxifragaceae

Astilbe chinensis is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its dark green basal leaves are ternately compound and up to 25cm long. Its leaflets are elliptic to ovate with serrate margins, up to 8cm long and 4cm broad. Its lilac/ pink flowers appear as slender terminal panicles, up to 37cm long and 4cm across. Its roots have fleshy rhizomes which aids its spread.

Astilbe chinensis Flower (18/07/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Astilbe chinensis, commonly known as False Goat’s Beard, is native to north east China and Mongolia. In its native habitat it grows in open broad leaf forests, riversides and meadows.

The etymological root of the binomial name Astilbe is derived from the Greek a meaning ‘without’ and stilbw meaning ‘glitter’. Chinensis is derived form the Latin meaning ‘from China’.

The landscape architect may find Astilbe chinensis useful as a large flowering perennial suitable for damp to wet locations. It is suitable for use within ‘rain gardens’ and bog gardens.

Astilbe chinensis Leaf (18/07/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Astilbe chinensis flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies.

Astilbe chinensis prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained to wet soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.

Astilbe chinensis requires little maintenance. Faded flower stalks may be removed after flowering to keep a tidy appearance. Large clumps may be divided in late winter or early spring.



Landscape Architecture

Heuchera ‘Rachel’

Heuchera ‘Rachel’ (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Eventual Height: 40cm

Eventual Spread: 40cm

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Saxifragaceae

Heuchera ‘Rachel’ is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its red/ purple leaves are chordate and  with shallowly lobed margins, up to 10cm across and 8cm long. It pale pink flowers are tubular, appear in sprays on wiry stems above its leaves.

Heuchera ‘Rachel’ Flower (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Heuchera ‘Rachel’ is commonly known as Alum Root, Coral Flower or Coral Bells.

The etymological root of the binomial name Heuchera was named for Johann Heinrich von Heucher, the 18th century professor of medicine and botanist at Wittenberg, Germany.

The Landscape architect may find Heuchera ‘Rachel’ useful as an effective low ground cover when planted en mass. If grown in full sun this plant requires a constantly moist soil to look good.

Ecologically, Heuchera ‘Rachel’ flowers are attractive to  pollinating insects.

Heuchera ‘Rachel’ Leaf (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Heuchera ‘Rachel’ prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Heuchera ‘Rachel’ requires little maintenance. If desired flower heads and foliage may be removed if looking untidy. Large clumps may be divided in autumn.