Caring for Coral bells 'Palace Purple'

Heuchera 'Palace Purple' has moderate water needs. Water regularly during dry spells in spring and summer, particularly in full sun positions where the soil dries out faster. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated—overwatering or poor drainage can lead to crown rot. In autumn and winter, reduce watering; established plants are quite drought-tolerant once their roots are down, and evergreen foliage means they tick over gently through the colder months. Feed in March, April or May with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or a light dressing of blood, fish and bone worked into the soil around the base. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage soft, lush growth at the expense of the rich purple foliage colour. A single spring feed is usually sufficient; overfeeding can make heucheras leggy and prone to flopping. This cultivar is hardy to zone 4 and needs no special winter protection in temperate European gardens. However, frost heave can lift the crown out of the soil, especially in heavy or wet ground. Check plants in late February or early March and gently firm them back in if necessary. Refresh the mulch layer annually in spring, keeping it away from the crown to prevent rot. Vine weevil is the main pest to watch for. Adults notch the leaf edges, but the real damage comes from the grubs, which eat the roots and can kill the plant. If you notice wilting or poor growth, check for C-shaped white larvae in the compost. Treat with biological nematodes in late summer or early spring. Powdery mildew and rust can occasionally appear in humid conditions; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimise risk.