Heuchera sanguinea Coral Cloud

The Heuchera sanguinea 'Coral Cloud', also known as bloodred heuchera, is a magnificent variety, vigorous and particularly floriferous in summer. On the ground, it forms a tuft of rounded and scalloped leaves that are more or less evergreen in winter, marbled with light tones on a dark green background. From this cushion emerge in summer numerous floral stems adorned with tiny bells ranging from reddish-pink to pale coral pink. This perennial is used for border planting and in flower beds, in full sun or partial shade, in a moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil.

The bloodred heuchera 'Coral Cloud' belongs to the saxifrage family. The Heuchera sanguinea, from which it originates, is a botanical species found in nature from Arizona to New Mexico, where it grows in canyons. It has passed on to its descendants, through mutations and hybrids, an abundant red to pink flowering. 'Coral Cloud' has a low, spreading habit. The plant reaches 60-70 cm (24-28in) in height when in flower, 30 cm (12in) for the foliage, and about 40 cm (16in) in diameter. The flowering, which is nectariferous, takes place in June-July, more or less early depending on the climate. Numerous slender and upright stems emerge from the foliage, bearing panicles made up of numerous tubular flowers that are initially coral red, fading over time. The rounded leaves, weakly lobed and toothed on the edges, are often evergreen in winter and covered in glandular hairs. They measure an average of 4 cm (2in) in length. Their colour is a dark green marbled with pale silver green and whitish green. It is a perennial plant with a rhizomatous root system, with shallow roots.

Plant this 'Coral Cloud' Heuchera at the base of light pink or white flowering roses to highlight its light and colorful flowering. It can also be used as a ground cover to fill the base of spring-flowering shrubs and it will thrive in a slightly moist rockery. In a border, this perennial brings dynamism to the garden. Pair it with hostas, carex and ferns for a wild effect. In a rockery, place a contrasting mulch at its base to enhance its elegant foliage. Heuchera is an ideal plant for filling pots, containers, and flower boxes. Good for cutting, the delicate bells of this plant bring lightness to bouquets.

The heucheras with trembling stems and tiny bells were very fashionable in the 19th century in all European gardens. They were named "Painter's Despair" by the impressionist painters, probably because of their light flowering, difficult to capture in an image, swaying at the slightest breeze.