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How to Grow Heuchera 'Burgundy'

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Heuchera 'Burgundy'

Heuchera 'Burgundy'

flower

Heuchera 'Burgundy' is a striking foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy to purple-red leaves that remain colorful year-round. This compact perennial produces delicate pink or red flower spikes on tall stems in late spring to early summer. It's an excellent choice for adding dramatic color contrast to shade gardens and mixed borders.

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Example Heuchera 'Burgundy' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Heuchera 'Burgundy'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Heuchera 'Burgundy' blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Heuchera 'Burgundy' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full shade; 2-4 hours of filtered sunlight. Deep burgundy color is best with some light exposure; too much shade may fade colors.
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Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply after planting and maintain even moisture during growing season. Reduce watering in winter dormancy. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spotting.
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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart inches
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Days to maturity: Plants establish in 60-90 days; reach mature size in 2-3 years
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Planting depth: Crown at or slightly above soil level; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Leaf mold

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9; best in zones 4-8 for optimal color development

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Young plant with small burgundy rosette of foliage; root system developing

Water regularly to establish roots. Mulch lightly around base, keeping away from crown. Protect from extreme heat.

2

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer (8-12 weeks)

Expanding burgundy foliage mound with increasingly deeper coloration; plant filling out

Continue consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Remove any dead or damaged leaves.

3

Flowering

Late May through July (4-6 weeks)

Tall, delicate flower spikes emerge from foliage center; flowers are small and bell-shaped in pink, red, or white depending on variety

Flowers are secondary to foliage; deadhead after bloom for neater appearance or leave for wildlife. Support tall flower stems if needed.

4

Summer Color

July through September (8-10 weeks)

Foliage maintains deep burgundy-red color; flowers fade; plant focus returns to leaf color display

Water during heat and drought. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Continue removing dead foliage.

5

Winter Dormancy

October through March (6 months)

Foliage persists but may deepen further in cold temperatures; growth halts

Reduce watering significantly. Do not cut back foliage; it provides winter protection. Apply thin mulch layer in colder zones (3-4).

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Hostas Ferns Astilbe Coral Bells (other Heuchera varieties) Tiarella (Foamflower) Hellebores Brunnera Pulmonaria (Lungwort) Liriope Japanese Forest Grass

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring dry conditions Aggressive spreaders like Ajuga Deep-rooted plants competing for moisture Plants susceptible to same fungal diseases (Phytophthora)

Common Pests

  • Handpick adults; use insecticidal soap or neem oil on foliage. Remove debris where larvae hide.

  • Apply beneficial nematodes to soil in spring and fall. Maintain good soil drainage to prevent waterlogging.

  • Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide if severe.

  • Remove infected foliage immediately. Ensure proper spacing and air flow. Fungicidal spray may be needed in humid climates.

  • Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation occurs.

Uses

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Floral and Foliage Arrangements

Craft

The deep burgundy foliage and delicate flower spikes make Heuchera 'Burgundy' excellent for cut flower arrangements and floral design. The long-lasting foliage provides color and texture to mixed bouquets for weeks. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The nectar-rich flower spikes attract bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators to shade gardens where few other flowering plants thrive. Leaving flowers unharvested supports early-season insect populations. [source]

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Ornamental Garden Accent

Household

Heuchera 'Burgundy' provides year-round structural interest and bold color contrast in shade borders, ground covers, and woodland gardens. The persistent foliage maintains visual appeal even in winter dormancy. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Some Heuchera species have been used in traditional herbalism by Native Americans for astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific evidence is limited. Modern use is primarily ornamental. [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 is ornamental; foliage can be cut for flower arrangements throughout the year. Harvest flower spikes once fully opened for longest vase life (1-2 weeks). Cut at base of stem with sharp scissors.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Heuchera 'Burgundy' gets its deep coloration from anthocyanin pigments, which are the same compounds that make blueberries blue and red apples red. The color often intensifies in cooler weather.
  • 🌱 Coral Bells (Heuchera) are native to North America and were named 'Coral Bells' for their delicate coral-pink flower spikes that resemble tiny bells.
  • 🌱 The foliage of Heuchera remains evergreen in most climates, making it valuable for winter garden structure and color when deciduous plants are dormant.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Deadhead Mulch Partial Shade Perennial
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