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Growth Rate
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- Speed: Moderate grower.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 8-10 inches in height and spreads 18-24 inches wide, forming a compact, mounded clump.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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No |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts: Bees and butterflies are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.
- Wildlife Resistant: Deer and rabbits typically avoid Heucherella, making it ideal for areas with wildlife pressure.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Evergreen in mild climates, semi-evergreen in colder regions, providing year-round interest.
- Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer (May to June).
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
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Ideal For
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- Shaded borders
- Woodland gardens
- Ground cover
- Containers
- Pollinator gardens
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Bright chartreuse-yellow foliage with striking deep red veins.
- Form: Lobed, maple-like leaves that form a dense, mounding clump.
- Fall/Winter Interest: The vibrant foliage retains its color throughout fall and often into winter, adding visual interest year-round.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Tiny white or pale pink, bell-shaped flowers.
- Form: Airy flower spikes rise above the foliage, creating a soft, delicate contrast to the bold leaves.
- Bloom Time: Late spring through early summer.
- Fragrance: Not fragrant.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall for optimal establishment.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil. It tolerates a wide range of soil types but thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Planting Depth: Plant with the crown at soil level, ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper growth and prevent overcrowding.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a neat appearance.
- Method: Trim back flower stalks after blooming. In late fall or early spring, remove any damaged or dead leaves to promote fresh growth.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Citrus Shock prefers consistent moisture but is moderately drought-tolerant.
- Soil Moisture: Keep the soil moderately moist, but avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
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Light Needs
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Prefers partial shade to full shade. In cooler climates, it can tolerate more sun, but in warmer regions, afternoon shade is essential to prevent leaf scorch. |
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Harvesting
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Heucherella ‘Citrus Shock’ is not typically harvested for culinary or medicinal use. However, spent flower stalks can be trimmed after blooming to maintain tidy growth and encourage additional flowering. Foliage may also be lightly trimmed or cleaned up in early spring to remove any winter-damaged leaves. |
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Fertilizing
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- Fertilization Time: Apply fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy foliage and flowering.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Citrus Shock is moderately drought-tolerant, but it performs best with regular watering during prolonged dry periods.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, though it may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew or rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid excessive moisture to prevent fungal issues.
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Pollination
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Pollinated by bees and other insects, though Heucherella is typically grown for its foliage rather than its seeds. |
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Companion Plants
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- Hosta
- Astilbe
- Ferns
- Tiarella (Foamflower)
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