SKU: 1437 3 Berry Smoothie Heuchera in 3.5" Pots

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Compact, clump-forming, evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial that develops a dense, rounded mound of broad, gently lobed and ruffled leaves.
• Foliage Color: New leaves emerge bright rose-pink to raspberry-pink, gradually developing berry-purple, bronze, silvery rose, and pinkish-purple tones as they mature. Color varies with season, temperature, and light exposure.
• Bloom Color: Delicate creamy-white to pale pinkish-white flowers appear on slender stems held above the foliage from late spring into summer.
• Fragrance: Flowers and foliage have little to no noticeable fragrance.
• Fruit Flavor: None. Small dry seed capsules may form after flowering, but Berry Smoothie is not grown for edible fruit.
• Culinary Uses: None recommended. Berry Smoothie is cultivated as an ornamental foliage perennial rather than an edible plant. Although some Heuchera species have historical ethnobotanical uses, ornamental cultivars should not be assumed suitable for culinary purposes.
• Medicinal Uses: Some native Heuchera species have a history of traditional herbal use, particularly their astringent roots. Berry Smoothie is an ornamental cultivar and is not recommended for medicinal preparations.
• Possible Toxicity to Pets or Humans: Heuchera is generally regarded as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and people. As with most ornamental plants, eating large quantities of foliage is discouraged and could potentially cause mild digestive upset.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Plants are generally considered deer and rabbit resistant, although hungry wildlife may occasionally browse them. Slugs, snails, vine weevils, and occasional foliar diseases can occur, especially in overly wet or poorly ventilated conditions.
• Planting Zone: Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9.
• Sun Preferences: Partial shade to filtered sun is ideal, particularly in warmer regions. Morning sunlight followed by afternoon shade helps maintain vibrant foliage without scorching. Plants can tolerate more sun in cooler climates when supplied with adequate moisture.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established. Berry Smoothie tolerates occasional short dry periods but grows best in evenly moist, well-drained soil. Avoid both prolonged drought and soggy conditions.
• Mature Size: Foliage typically reaches approximately 18–24 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide, with flower stalks extending somewhat higher.

When and How to Prune

• Remove brown, damaged, or winter-worn foliage in late winter or early spring, just as fresh growth begins emerging.
• Cut old leaves close to the crown with clean pruning shears, taking care not to damage new shoots.
• Remove individual damaged or unattractive leaves throughout the growing season as needed.
• Deadhead spent flower stalks by cutting them back to the base once flowering has finished if a tidier appearance is desired.
• Avoid cutting healthy evergreen foliage completely to the ground.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years, particularly if crowns become woody, elevated above the soil, or less vigorous.

Planting Instructions (3.5-Inch Pot into the Ground)

1. Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate and the plant has time to establish before extreme heat or cold.
2. Choose a location with partial shade, filtered sunlight, or morning sun and afternoon shade.
3. Select fertile, organically rich, well-drained soil. Heuchera dislikes consistently saturated soil, especially around the crown.
4. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the 3.5-inch nursery pot and no deeper than the root ball.
5. Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen tightly circling roots.
6. Position the plant so the top of the root ball and crown are level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Avoid burying the crown.
7. Backfill with soil and gently firm around the root system.
8. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil and eliminate large air pockets.
9. Space plants approximately 18–24 inches apart to accommodate their mature spread and encourage good airflow.
10. Apply a 1–2 inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping mulch away from the crown.
11. Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, maintain moderate moisture while allowing the upper soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.

Overwintering Steps

• Berry Smoothie Heuchera is winter hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and normally remains outdoors throughout winter.
• Plants may remain evergreen or semi-evergreen in mild climates, while foliage can become damaged or die back in colder regions.
• Leave healthy foliage in place during winter to provide natural protection for the crown.
• After the ground becomes cold, apply a light 1–2 inch layer of mulch around the root zone, keeping it away from the crown.
• Monitor plants for frost heaving, which can expose the shallow crown and roots after repeated freezing and thawing. Gently settle exposed plants back into the soil when conditions permit.
• Avoid excessive winter moisture, as poorly drained soil can cause crown or root rot.
• In early spring, remove damaged or dead foliage before new leaves expand and lightly top-dress with compost if desired.

With its brilliant raspberry-pink foliage, graceful summer flowers, and compact mounding habit, Berry Smoothie Heuchera is an outstanding choice for adding dependable color to partially shaded gardens. Whether planted along pathways, beneath shrubs, in woodland borders, or showcased in containers, this striking Coral Bells cultivar provides months of rich foliage color while offering valuable flowers for hummingbirds and pollinators.