Heuchera 'Forever Red'
Coral bells
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Supplied as an established plant in a 3 litre pot
Aspect
Partial shade to full shade
Hardiness
Fully hardy
Flowers
Early summer
Soil
Loam, sand, clay
About this plant
Deep red foliage for year-round impact
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Description
Heuchera 'Forever Red' is a bold, evergreen perennial grown for its striking foliage, which forms a dense, weed-suppressing mound of rounded, lobed leaves in a deep, rich red to crimson throughout the year. Slender stems of small flowers appear above the foliage in early summer, adding a delicate contrast to the dramatic leaves below. Compact and well-behaved, it is an excellent choice for the front of a partially shaded border, a woodland-style planting, or a container on a sheltered terrace, where its consistent and richly coloured foliage earns its place in every season.
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Why we like it
Specs & details
The particulars
- Botanical name
- Heuchera 'Forever Red'
- Common name
- Coral bells
- Supplied as
- 3 litre pot
- Flower colour
- Red
- Eventual height
- 30–45 cm (in flower)
- Eventual spread
- 30–45 cm
- Flowering period
- Early summer
- Habit
- Compact mound-forming evergreen perennial
- Life cycle
- Evergreen perennial
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Aspect
- Partial shade to full shade
- Soil type
- Loam, sand, clay
- Moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Position
- Front of border, woodland garden, shaded border, patio container
- Plant spacing
- 5–6 plants per m²
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
Plant calendar
When to plant, when it performs
Planting & care
Help it thrive
Planting guide
Heuchera 'Forever Red' thrives in a moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade. The foliage colour is richest and most intense in a position that receives some indirect light through the day; in very deep shade the red tones may become less vivid. It will tolerate full sun provided the soil remains consistently moist, though in very hot, dry conditions the leaf edges may scorch and the colour can fade. On thin, sandy soils, incorporate plenty of garden compost or leaf mould before planting to improve moisture retention. Avoid waterlogged soils, particularly over winter, as heucheras are susceptible to crown rot in wet conditions. Plant at the same depth as in the pot and space around 35 cm apart. In containers, use a good loam-based or peat-free compost with reasonable drainage.
Care tips
Heuchera 'Forever Red' is a low-maintenance plant once established. Remove any damaged or tatty foliage in late winter or early spring to allow fresh growth to emerge cleanly. If the crown gradually rises above soil level over time, top-dress around it with fresh compost in spring to encourage new root formation and keep the plant stable and well anchored. Divide congested clumps every three to four years in spring, replanting the younger outer sections and discarding the older, woodier central portions. No regular feeding is required on reasonably fertile soils; a light top-dressing of balanced fertiliser or garden compost in spring is sufficient to support good foliage growth and colour. The flower stems can be removed after flowering if preferred, or left in place as they are slender and unobtrusive.
Winter care
Heuchera 'Forever Red' is fully hardy in most parts of the UK and requires no winter protection. Its evergreen foliage persists through winter, providing rich red colour and useful ground cover during the colder months. In late winter or early spring, remove any foliage that has become damaged or tatty over winter, cutting back cleanly to the base of the crown. As with all heucheras, the crown can gradually push above soil level over time; top-dress around the crown with fresh compost or leaf mould in spring to encourage new root formation and keep the plant well anchored. Divide congested clumps every three to four years in spring to maintain vigour and the best foliage colour.