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Description
Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning, also known as Coral Bells, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in rocky and woodland areas. Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning has a mounding growth habit, reaching a height of 8-10 inches and a spread of 12-18 inches. It is a showstopper in the garden with its stunning reddish-purple foliage and creamy white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
Domain: | Eukarya |
---|---|
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
Class: | Magnoliopsida |
Order: | Saxifragales |
Family: | Saxifragaceae |
Genus: | Heuchera |
Appearance
The Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning plant has a clump-forming growth habit with lobed leaves that are 2-4 inches wide and 4-6 inches long. The leaves are a stunning reddish-purple color with silver markings on the veins, making them stand out in any garden. The flowers of the plant are small and white, appearing in late spring to early summer on tall wiry stems that rise above the foliage, reaching a height of 12-18 inches.
Care Guide
Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in well-draining soil and partial shade. Here are some tips for taking care of your Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning:
- Water: Water the plant regularly but do not overwater it. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Hardiness Zones: Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that may arise:
- Crown rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots and crown of the plant. It can be prevented by providing good drainage and not overwatering the plant.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn brown or black. It can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves of the plant, leaving large holes. They can be controlled with slug bait or by handpicking them off the plant.
Habitat
Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning is native to North America and is commonly found in rocky and woodland areas. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The plant is hardy in zones 4-9 and can be grown in gardens, rock gardens, and containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning tolerate full sun?
A: Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Q: How often should Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning be fertilized?
A: Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning should be fertilized in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning?
A: Common pests and diseases that affect Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning include crown rot, leaf spot, and slugs and snails.
Q: What is the height and spread of Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning?
A: Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning has a mounding growth habit, reaching a height of 8-10 inches and a spread of 12-18 inches.
Related Plants
- Heuchera ‘Midnight Rose’
- Heuchera ‘Peach Flambe’
- Heuchera ‘Caramel’
- Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’
References
- “Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b142.
- “Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning.” Plant Database, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/69733/.
- “Heuchera Villosa Red Lightning.” Plant Finder, Gardener’s Supply Company, www.gardeners.com/buy/heuchera-villosa-red-lightning/8604182.html.