How to Grow Heuchera Burgundy
Heuchera Burgundy
Heuchera sanguinea 'Burgundy'
flowerHeuchera Burgundy is an ornamental perennial known for its striking deep burgundy to wine-colored foliage that provides year-round interest in the garden. It produces delicate red to coral flower spikes above the mounding foliage in spring and early summer. This cultivar is valued for its vibrant leaf color and compact growth habit, making it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and woodland gardens.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler climates (zones 4-7)
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Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeks after plantingYoung plant with small rosette of burgundy leaves; limited root development
Keep soil consistently moist but well-draining. Protect from extreme heat. Mulch lightly around base. Do not cover the crown.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer, 8-12 weeksFoliage mounds expand with increasingly deep burgundy coloration; leaves become larger and more deeply lobed
Water regularly during dry spells. Remove any dead leaves. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Deadhead flower spikes if desired to promote leaf growth.
Flowering
4-6 weeks (April-June)Delicate coral-red to deep red flower spikes emerge above the burgundy foliage on thin stems, creating a striking contrast
Flowers appear April-June depending on zone. Keep soil consistently moist. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage extended blooming. Staking is usually not necessary.
Post-Flowering
Summer through fall, 12-16 weeksFlowers fade and foliage remains the main focal point; plant may rebloomer with secondary flower spikes if deadheaded
Continue regular watering and deadheading for potential rebloom. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive soft growth. Prepare for winter dormancy in cooler zones.
Winter Dormancy
December-MarchFoliage may darken further or become slightly muted in color; plant enters semi-dormant state in cooler zones
Reduce watering significantly. Do not remove foliage—it provides winter interest and insulation. Apply 1-2 inches of mulch in zones 3-5 for extra protection. Remove mulch in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering and waterlogged soil. Remove affected plants if disease spreads. Treat soil with fungicide if necessary.
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Remove affected foliage. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply beneficial nematodes to soil. Remove debris where weevils hide.
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Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use copper barriers or slug traps. Apply diatomaceous earth around base. Avoid excessive mulch that provides shelter.
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Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Apply sulfur or neem oil fungicide. Remove infected leaves. Water at soil level, not overhead.
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Apply beneficial nematodes to soil in spring and fall. Hand-pick adults at night. Use insecticidal soap on foliage. Remove debris.
Uses
Ornamental Foliage & Borders
HouseholdThe deep burgundy foliage provides year-round color and texture to garden borders, containers, and shaded areas. It works beautifully as a ground cover or accent plant in woodland gardens and mixed perennial borders. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftThe delicate coral-red flower spikes and attractive burgundy leaves work well in fresh flower arrangements and can also be dried for crafts. The long-lasting flowers provide 2-3 weeks of blooms when cut at peak opening. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe nectar-rich flower spikes attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators in spring and early summer. It provides an early season food source for hummingbirds returning from migration. [source]
Container Gardening
HouseholdHeuchera Burgundy thrives in containers and mixed planters, making it ideal for patios, decks, and small gardens. Its compact mounding form and year-round foliage color make it a reliable container specimen. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalHeuchera species have been used traditionally by Native Americans and herbalists for astringent properties, though modern medicinal use is limited. The roots and leaves contain compounds historically used in herbal remedies for various conditions. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Heuchera Burgundy is grown as an ornamental and is not harvested for fruit or seed in traditional sense. However, you can cut flower stems for fresh arrangements mid-bloom. For propagation, divide mature plants (3+ years old) in early spring or fall by carefully separating rooted sections. Collect self-sown seed in late summer if desired, though it may not produce plants identical to the parent.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Heuchera is commonly called 'Coral Bells' because of its delicate coral-red flower spikes that resemble tiny bells. The genus name honors Johann Heinrich von Heucher, an 18th-century German physician.
- 🌱 Heuchera Burgundy's foliage color intensifies in fall and winter in cooler climates, often becoming even deeper and richer in color during colder months. This makes it exceptionally valuable for winter garden interest.
- 🌱 Some newer Heuchera cultivars are the result of breeding programs that cross H. sanguinea (coral bells) with H. micrantha and H. americana, creating plants with superior cold-hardiness and more dramatic foliage colors than their ancestors.
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