Plants such as cranberries (Heuchera) are an excellent example of a great effect at the cost of very little work. Cranberries are plants of extraordinary beauty, which makes them more and more popular. They are perfect for semi-shaded positions. They do very well in containers, on balconies or terraces. Their care is mainly limited to regular watering. Cranberries come in many different species and varieties, each of which deserves a place in the garden.
Blackflower 'Purple Palace'
Cranberry - characteristics
Heucherais a genus of plants belonging to the Saxifragaceae (Skalnicowate) family. Cranberries are evergreen perennials, which means that they mostly do not lose their aerial part in winter, and in spring they produce new leaves from the root ball. They grow in a compact clump, reaching a maximum height of 40 cm. Their main ornamentation are leaves (heart-shaped and lobed) in various shades, from yellow to dark purple, sometimes also with a decorative pattern. The flowers are gathered in paniculate inflorescences, white through pink to red in color, bloom from June to August. The cranberries look best in large clusters, on the edges of flower beds or in rock gardens. They are ideal ground cover plants and for creating contrasting plantings in flowerbeds.
Cranberry - cultivation
Growing a cranberryis very simple and does not require a lot of time. The ideal position for these plants is a semi-shaded place with humus, permeable and moist soil, preferably slightly alkaline.It is also possible to cultivate cranes in a sunny position, but then you need to ensure adequate soil moisture. When the position is in the shade, do not overdo it with moisture as the plants can get sick. However, if the soil is too heavy, you need to mix it with peat before planting the crane.
When planting cranberries , remember that the number of plants should not exceed 12 plants per 1m². If we plant Heuchers in large groups, the best is 10-20 pcs.
Heuchera has heart-shaped, lobed leaves with a white pattern
Duck care
Plants of the typecraneare perfect for busy people because they hardly require any maintenance. Just remember to water it regularly. Cranberries are perennials that keep their foliage mostly in winter, therefore last year's leaves should be trimmed in the spring to make room for this year's growth.They do not need to be covered in winter because the cranes that grow in the ground are frost-resistant. On the other hand, plants growing in containers should be pitched with the container in a sheltered place and additionally covered.
Cranberry - reproduction
Cranberriescan be reproduced by dividing the mother plant. A large plant should be dug up, cleared of soil and small leaf suckers with already developed roots should be torn off the main shoot. The seedlings obtained in this way should be planted in a box (20-30 cm spacing) and wait until they grow a bit and become stronger. We water it once a week. Cranberries are best propagated in spring or autumn. Propagation from seeds does not give very good results, especially in amateur breeding.
Blueberry 'Georgia Peach' is a variety with variable color of leaves - in spring they are peach-pink, then they darken, and in autumn they turn maroon
Diseases and pests of cranberry
Cranberries are mostly resistant to all diseases, but this does not mean that they are completely resistant. First of all, you cannot overdo it with moisture because then fungi start attacking them. Excessive sunlight can lead to burns of the leaf blade. You also have to watch out for grubs, which sometimes nibble at the roots and the plants begin to dry out.
Species and varieties of cranberry
Heuchera x brizoides
The leaves of this species are heart-shaped and lobed, as is the case with most cranberries. It grows up to 30 - 40 cm. heights. The flowers are gathered in slender, intensely pink inflorescences. The name of the quivering cranberry comes from the inflorescences which start to tremble characteristically under the influence of the wind.There are varieties of this species with white and even red flowers. The variety 'Pluie de Feu' with dark red leaves looks interesting.
Garden heuchera(Heuchera hybrida)
They are various types of hybrids of many species of cranberries, propagated by nurserymen. The varieties differ in color and shape of the leaves as well as in the strength of growth. There are many different varieties in this group:
- 'Cascade Dawn' - with silvery leaves with dark purple veins
- 'Chocolate Ruffles' - leaves are dark chocolate on the top, purple underneath
- 'Creme Brule' - an extremely effective variety with carmine and peach leaves, perfect for contrasting combinations
- 'Mint Frost' - silvery leaves with green veining, coral flowers, keeps leaves that get cold in winter - purple with silvery veins
- 'Plum Pudding' - shiny purple leaves with a silvery pattern, whitish flowers
- 'Purple Petitcoats' - an early variety with wavy leaves dark purple to brown on top and light purple underneath, cream flowers
- 'Regina' - leaves of this variety are purple silvery
- 'Rachel' - creates a low clump of brown-purple leaves on the top and light purple leaves on the underside, flowers whitish, 60 cm high, 45 cm wide.
Heuchera micrantha(Heuchera micrantha)
It grows luxuriantly, up to a height of 30 cm. It produces inflorescences with small, beige flowers, up to 45 cm high. Requirements as for other cranes.'Palace Purple' - a well-known variety of small flowered cranberry with intense cherry-red leaves, appreciated by gardeners.
Heuchera sanguinea(Heuchera sanguinea)
It grows in clumps, has round, heart-shaped leaves. Inflorescences 30-40 cm high, flowers most often red in color, bloom from June to July.Thanks to this species, nurserymen often create varieties with white-variegated or almost white leaves.
Katarzyna Matuszak
