Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Compact, mounding evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial
  • Typically grows 8–10 inches tall (12–18 inches in bloom) and 14–18 inches wide
  • Dense clump of colorful foliage
• Bloom Color:
  • Small creamy white flowers on slender stems
• Fragrance:
  • Little to no noticeable fragrance
• Fruit Flavor:
  • Not grown for edible fruit production
• Culinary Uses:
  • No known culinary uses
• Medicinal & Traditional Uses:
  • Primarily cultivated as an ornamental foliage perennial
  • No widely recognized medicinal uses
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators
  • Deer resistant
  • Rabbit resistant
  • Generally resistant to most pests and diseases
  • Good resistance to heat and humidity when grown in suitable conditions
• Planting Zones: USDA Zones 4–9
• Sun Preferences:
  • Partial shade to full sun in cooler climates
  • Afternoon shade is recommended in warmer regions to maintain vibrant foliage color
• Drought Tolerance:
  • Moderate once established
  • Performs best with evenly moist, well-drained soil
• When to Prune:
  • Remove damaged or tattered leaves in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
  • Deadhead spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance
  • Trim away any winter-damaged foliage as needed throughout the season

Planting Instructions (From a 3.5" Pot into the Ground)

1. Choose the Location

• Select a location with well-drained soil and partial shade or morning sun.
• Ideal for woodland gardens, borders, containers, rock gardens, and shaded perennial beds.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen soil 8–10 inches deep.
• Mix in compost or organic matter to improve drainage and soil fertility.

3. Dig the Hole

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the 3.5" pot and equal depth.

4. Remove from Pot

• Carefully remove the plant from its container.
• Gently loosen any circling roots before planting.

5. Plant

• Place the crown at the same level it was growing in the pot.
• Backfill with soil and gently firm around the roots.

6. Water Thoroughly

• Water deeply immediately after planting.
• Keep soil consistently moist during establishment without becoming waterlogged.

7. Mulch

• Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant while keeping mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.

8. Spacing

• Space plants 14–18 inches apart to allow room for mature growth and airflow.

Overwintering Fire Alarm Heuchera

In-Ground Plants

• Fully hardy throughout USDA Zones 4–9.
• Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage often persists through winter, depending on climate.
• Leave foliage intact over winter to help protect the crown from cold temperatures.

Winter Care Tips

• Apply a light layer of mulch after the ground freezes to reduce freeze-thaw cycles.
• Remove winter-damaged leaves in late winter or early spring.
• Ensure good drainage throughout winter, as overly wet soil can lead to crown rot.
• Check plants in early spring and gently firm any crowns that have been lifted by frost heaving.

Container-Grown Plants

• Move containers to a sheltered location during severe winter weather.
• Protect containers from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Water sparingly during winter, allowing the soil to remain only slightly moist.

Fire Alarm Heuchera is an outstanding foliage perennial that delivers brilliant scarlet-red leaves, delicate white blooms, and year-round garden interest. Its compact size, colorful foliage, and easy-care nature make it an exceptional choice for borders, containers, woodland gardens, and mixed perennial plantings where vibrant color and texture are desired throughout the seasons.