How to Grow Heuchera Marmalade
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Heuchera Marmalade
Heuchera × 'Marmalade'
flowerHeuchera Marmalade is a stunning foliage plant prized for its vibrant orange-red leaves that deepen to burgundy in cooler temperatures. This hybrid coral bells cultivar produces delicate, airy spikes of small pink flowers in spring and summer. It serves as an excellent ornamental accent in mixed borders, containers, and woodland gardens with year-round visual interest.
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Example Heuchera Marmalade timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Heuchera Marmalade
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Heuchera Marmalade blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best color development in zones 4-8
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Establishment
First 4-6 weeks after plantingYoung plant with small leaves, establishing root system. Foliage shows early hints of orange and red coloring.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch lightly around base. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates. Remove any flower spikes to encourage foliage development.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer, weeks 6-16Plant expands with increasingly vibrant orange-red foliage. Leaves become more deeply colored and develop better texture and substance.
Water regularly during dry periods. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring. Remove dead or damaged leaves. Allow some flowers to develop for fuller appearance.
Flowering
Late spring through summer, 6-8 weeksDelicate spikes of small pink flowers emerge above the foliage, creating an airy, cloud-like effect above the colorful leaves.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming or leave some for ornamental value and wildlife attraction. Continue regular watering and fertilizing.
Color Intensification
Fall through winter, 8-12 weeksIn fall and winter, foliage deepens to darker burgundy and wine tones as temperatures cool. Leaves become more robust and leathery.
Reduce watering as growth slows. Do not fertilize in fall. Leave foliage intact for winter interest and plant protection. Remove only severely damaged leaves.
Dormancy & Spring Renewal
Winter through early spring, 8-10 weeksPlant goes semi-dormant in winter, retaining attractive foliage. New growth emerges in spring as temperatures warm.
Minimal watering needed. In early spring, remove any dead foliage from winter. Apply fresh compost around base without burying crown. Begin light fertilizing as new growth appears.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves promptly. Use neem oil spray in early morning or evening. Encourage natural predators. Rarely requires treatment in healthy plants.
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Hand-pick weevils in evening. Apply insecticidal soap to undersides of leaves. Use beneficial nematodes applied to soil. Diatomaceous earth around plant base.
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Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Remove affected leaves. Apply sulfur spray or fungicide in early stages. Avoid wetting foliage when watering.
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and
Hand-pick early morning or evening. Use copper tape barriers. Apply slug baits. Encourage ground beetles and other predators. Remove dead foliage and debris.
Uses
Edible Foliage Garnish
CulinaryYoung heuchera leaves are technically edible and can be used as a decorative garnish on plates or in salads for their striking appearance. They have a mild, slightly astringent flavor and are completely non-toxic. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe delicate pink flower spikes and colorful foliage make excellent additions to floral arrangements, particularly for adding height and texture. The flowers have good vase life lasting 1-2 weeks when properly conditioned. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe small flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making Heuchera Marmalade a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. The plant provides early spring nectar sources when few other plants are blooming. [source]
Year-Round Garden Color
HouseholdUnlike deciduous plants, Heuchera Marmalade provides vibrant foliage color throughout the year, including winter months when most gardens are dormant. This makes it invaluable for creating visual interest in winter landscapes. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalWhile not commonly used, some traditional herbalists recognize Heuchera species for potential astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific evidence is limited. Not recommended for self-medication. [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 Marmalade is grown for ornamental foliage and flowers rather than harvest. Cut flower spikes for fresh arrangements anytime they reach desired size. Leaves can be used fresh in arrangements but are mainly enjoyed in the garden. Cut back dead foliage in spring.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Marmalade' refers to the warm orange-to-burgundy color palette of the foliage, which becomes more intense and deepens in cooler fall and winter temperatures due to increased anthocyanin production.
- 🌱 Heuchera 'Marmalade' is a hybrid cultivar resulting from careful breeding programs by breeders like Dan Heims at Terra Nova Nurseries, representing decades of selection for superior foliage color and garden performance.
- 🌱 The plant's common name 'Coral Bells' comes from the bell-shaped flowers, and heucheras have been popular in shade gardens since the Victorian era, though modern cultivars like 'Marmalade' offer much more dramatic foliage colors than species plants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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