Poker Huechera

A highly collectible perennial that grows to a neat mound of overlapping foliage that is topped throughout summer with plentiful, tall stems of cream blooms. The mid to bright green, scallop shaped leaves have a nice leathery feel. The flowers open high above, and resemble small cream to green Kniphofia, hence their common name of Poker Heuchera. The flowers open for around 15cm along the stem and can easily last for a month or two and can spot flower throughout summer into autumn.

A heart stopper in a pot, rockery, ground cover or garden bed. They are evergreen except in very cold climes.

Heuchera cylindrica hails from woodlands, rocky ground, cliffs and meadows of North America. Common names include Poker Heuchera and Green Alum Root.

Plant in full sun to semi shade or filtered light. They can take more sun in cooler zones. A moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil is ideal, they don’t like it boggy. Water to establish, it takes around four to six weeks for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil and gain access to its moisture and nutrients, until then, like all new plants, they will need extra care. Once established they are quite dry tolerant. Remove spent flowers and foliage to tidy as required, early spring, before the new growth is ideal. They aren’t heavy feeders so if you have a good soil you won’t need to worry about fertiliser, if your soil is poor a light sprinkle in spring is all you’ll need.

In pots, ensure you container choice has sufficient drainage holes. Use a good quality potting mix and remember to water, especially over summer, where on hot days you may need to care for them daily.