Heuchera DOLCE® 'CHERRY TRUFFLES' coral bells
Heuchera
Heucheras – coral bells are undemanding yet striking perennials that have gained popularity thanks to their beautiful foliage and delicate flowers, sometimes appearing in rich inflorescences. They form dense clumps of leaves with a breathtaking range of colours. The genus was named after Johann Heinrich von Heucher (1677–1746), a German physician and professor. It includes around forty species of perennial plants, mostly native to North America, except for H. sichotensis from the Russian Far East. To Europe, heucheras were introduced in the 18th century. their classification can be quite challenging as in the wild, these plants often crossbreed, and their flowers change shape significantly as they mature. That’s why so many breeders are drawn to them – their variable gene pool invites experimentation, and the thrill of discovering something new at the end of a breeding attempt is simply irresistible 😊.
Cherry Truffles is a yummy (yet inedible) coral bells variety with large leaves with rounded lobes and heavily curled margins. They are rich mahogany red. From June appear short, thin stems holding compact, upright panicles composed of numerous pale pink flowers with pink calyxes. They can be cut off if only beautiful foliage is what you desire. Leaves show good resistance to mild frost and are quite nice even in winter. Cherry Truffles performs well even in full sun.
Cherry Truffles was bred by Hans Hansen from Walters Gardens in Michigan and plant patent No. PP31396 was granted in 2020. It belongs to the DOLCE® series that consists of richly coloured varieties, all named by various sweets.
Coral bells can take almost any soil with ample moisture and good drainage. They do best in partial shade or filtered sun, however, if you make sure they will not dry out you can place them in full sun, too. They can also live in dark shade where their colours will not be too rich, such location is usually best for light coloured varieties. Cut off all leaves in early spring to encourage growth of new foliage. Fully hardy to abt. -34°C (USDA zone 4), and suitable for outdoor pots.
Last update 15-06-2023
