Heuchera Fire Chief

Description

Heuchera Fire Chief is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is a hybrid between Heuchera villosa and Heuchera ‘Splendens’ and was first introduced in 2012. The plant has a compact and mounding habit and reaches a height of 8-12 inches with a spread of 10-16 inches. It produces showy, bright red foliage that has a glossy appearance and is semi-evergreen in mild climates. In the summer months, it sends up stalks of small, creamy-white flowers that bloom above the foliage.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Heuchera Fire Chief is known for its striking red foliage that emerges in the spring and lasts until fall. The leaves are rounded and lobed, with a glossy surface that reflects the sunlight. The flowers, which bloom in the summer, are small and creamy-white, held on tall stalks that rise above the foliage. The plant has a compact and mounding habit, reaching a height of 8-12 inches with a spread of 10-16 inches.

Care Guide

To keep your Heuchera Fire Chief looking its best, follow these care tips:Water: Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the leaves to wilt and the plant to suffer.Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak growth and reduced hardiness.Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Heuchera Fire Chief prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives partial shade to full sun. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.Hardiness Zones: Heuchera Fire Chief is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Heuchera Fire Chief is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly-draining soil. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If you notice any signs of root rot, such as yellowing leaves or a foul smell, remove the affected plant and replant in fresh soil.

Habitat

Heuchera Fire Chief is native to North America and is commonly found in woodland areas and rocky slopes. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I fertilize Heuchera Fire Chief?
A: Fertilize once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.Q: Can Heuchera Fire Chief tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, it can tolerate full sun but may require some afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.Q: Is Heuchera Fire Chief deer-resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer-resistant.Q: Can Heuchera Fire Chief be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Heuchera Fire Chief:

• Heuchera ‘Obsidian’
• Heuchera ‘Caramel’
• Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’
• Heuchera ‘Midnight Rose’

References

• Ball Horticultural Company. (2012). Heuchera ‘Fire Chief’.
• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Heuchera ‘Fire Chief’.
• University of Illinois Extension. (2018). Coral Bells.