The Heuchera ‘Berry Smoothie’, a stunning cultivar of Coral Bells, is a fantastic foliage plant celebrated for its dramatic, ever-changing colour palette. It forms a dense, mounding clump of large, ruffled leaves that are truly spectacular. The foliage emerges in spring as a vibrant, glossy rose-pink or berry colour and matures into a deep, rich burgundy or wine-red, with the colour often intensifying in cooler weather. In summer, it sends up airy spikes of tiny, bell-shaped flowers, but it is primarily grown for its incredible leaf colour.
Caring for Your ‘Berry Smoothie’
- Growing Conditions: This Heuchera thrives in a position with part shade, such as morning sun or dappled light under trees. While it can handle more sun, the colour will be best in cooler areas, and protection from harsh afternoon sun is essential. It prefers moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Feeding: A light feed with a slow-release fertiliser in spring is usually all it needs. Avoid getting fertiliser directly on the crown of the plant.
- Pruning: It’s a low-maintenance plant. Simply remove any spent flower stalks after they fade and tidy up any old or damaged leaves at the base to keep the clump looking fresh.
Usage in the Garden
‘Berry Smoothie’ is a highly versatile plant. Its vibrant foliage makes it an excellent feature in a shady border or woodland garden, providing a striking contrast to green- or silver-leaved plants. It is also an absolute standout in pots, window boxes, and containers, where it can be combined with other shade-loving perennials to create a lush, colourful display.
