Heucherella hybrid 'Copper King' PPAF (Foamy Bells)

The flowers of Copper King attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing a valuable food source for these beneficial insects. The dense foliage also offers shelter for small insects and contributes to a healthy garden ecosystem.

– Foliage interest is strongest from spring through fall

– Flowers emerge in late spring to early summer (May to June)

– Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild climates, providing year-round structure

– Shady borders

– Woodland gardens

– Containers and patio planters

– Groundcover under trees

– Edging for paths or beds

The standout feature of Copper King is its striking coppery-bronze leaves, which are deeply lobed and marked with dark maroon veins. The semi-evergreen foliage forms a dense, mounding habit, offering a bold splash of color and texture in shaded garden areas. The foliage holds its color throughout the growing season, providing year-round interest in milder climates.

• Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer (May to June).
• Flower Description: Copper King produces delicate spikes of small, white, bell-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage on thin stems. These airy blooms add a soft, frothy texture to the garden, creating a beautiful contrast to the bold foliage.

• Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall when the soil is cool and moist. Spring planting allows the roots to establish before the heat of summer, while fall planting ensures the plant is settled before winter.

• Soil: Copper King thrives in well-drained, organically rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Amending the soil with compost or organic matter improves drainage and soil fertility, ensuring optimal growth.

• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for their mature size and to create a full, mounding appearance in garden beds or containers.

Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to keep the plant looking tidy. In late fall or early spring, trim away any damaged or dead foliage to encourage fresh growth.

Copper King prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.

Partial shade to full shade. Copper King performs best in partial shade, especially in hotter climates where too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch. In cooler regions, it can tolerate more sunlight, but afternoon shade is ideal to preserve the rich color of the foliage.

– Not typically harvested for culinary or ornamental use

– Deadhead spent blooms to tidy the plant and potentially encourage a light rebloom

– Can be divided in early spring or fall to rejuvenate growth or propagate

When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or apply compost around the base of the plant to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flower production.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also protects the shallow roots from temperature extremes.

• Winter Care: Copper King is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and requires minimal winter protection. In colder climates, mulching around the base of the plant can help insulate the roots from extreme cold. In warmer climates, the foliage may remain semi-evergreen.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Heucherella Copper King is generally pest- and disease-resistant. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent any potential issues like crown rot or mildew.

The flowers of Copper King attract bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. The plant does not require any special pollination care and will bloom reliably each year without assistance.

Heucherella 'Copper King' pairs beautifully with:

– Hosta (especially blue-leaved or chartreuse varieties for contrast)

– Ferns (like Athyrium or Dryopteris)

– Brunnera macrophylla

– Tiarella (foamflower)

– Astilbe

– Pulmonaria

– Coral Bells (Heuchera) in complementary colors

These companions share similar shade and moisture preferences, and their varied textures enhance visual appeal in woodland or part-shade gardens.