What to Plant with Heuchera in a Pot
Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, is a stunning perennial plant that comes in a variety of colors and textures. Its attractive foliage makes it a perfect choice for container gardening. However, deciding what to plant with heuchera in a pot can be a bit tricky. Here are some suggestions that will help you create a beautiful and balanced planting combination.
1. Pair Heuchera with Other Shade-Loving Plants
Heuchera prefers partial shade and can actually bleach out in full sun. Therefore, it’s best to choose plants that require similar growing conditions. Some excellent shade-loving plant companions for heuchera include:
Hosta - A classic shade plant with a variety of leaf sizes and colors, hostas make excellent companions for heuchera.
Bleeding Heart - Known for its delicate, heart-shaped flowers, bleeding heart pairs well with heuchera’s colorful foliage.
Astilbe - Its fluffy, plume-like flowers in shades of pink, white or red provide a great contrast to heuchera's foliage.
2. Mix and Match Leaf Textures
When choosing plants to pair with heuchera, consider mixing different leaf textures to create a varied and visually appealing planting combination. Here are some options:
Grasses - Ornamental grasses, such as feather reed grass, add an airy and wispy texture that contrasts well with heuchera's dense foliage.
Perennials - Textured perennials like Japanese painted ferns and lamb's ear can make a great addition to a heuchera container.
Succulents - Succulents, such as hens and chicks or sedum, are low-maintenance options that can add an interesting texture to a heuchera container.
3. Play with Complementary Colors
Heuchera leaves come in hues of green, red, purple, bronze, silver and even black. Choosing plants with complementary colors can make a stunning color combination. Here are some ideas:
Caladium - Its bright, showy leaves come in shades of red, pink, and green that complement the deep and rich colors of heuchera.
Coleus - The vibrant and varied leaf patterns of coleus can create striking contrast when planted alongside heuchera.
Impatiens - This colorful annual comes in a wide range of hues and can add a much-needed pop of color against heuchera's muted tones.
Conclusion
When planting with heuchera in a container, you don't have to limit yourself to just one plant variety. Mixing and matching different textures, colors, and foliage options can result in a dramatic and eye-catching planting combination. With these ideas, you can create a heuchera container garden that is both functional and visually pleasing.