Duck Foot Plant – A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivation

Heuchera, the plant also known as Coral Bells, is one of the most beloved perennial plants mainly for its eye-catching foliage and beautiful flowering of its countless cultivars.
Among the different species of Heuchera, the most striking one is probably the Firefly (Heuchera x ‘Firefly’), which includes rosy-red perforated foliage and charming burnt-orange blooms. If you are an amateur at gardening or if you are just looking for a way of adding some color to your yard, the Heuchera Firefly plant is your best choice. In the following guide, you will learn about how to grow, take care of, and maintain the Heuchera Firefly plant.

What is the Heuchera Firefly Plant?

Heuchera Firefly is a cultivar of the plant genus Heuchera. The species, commonly known as coral bells or alumroot, spans at least 31 known species and is a member of the Saxifragaceae family. Heucheras are native to western North America and occur most frequently in woodland edges and rocky outcrops. The wide range of cultivars within the genus include the Firefly cultivar, which is recognised for its colourful foliage ranging from lime-green to blood-red, depending on the season and growing condition. It also bears delicate bell-shaped flowers borne on slender upright stems above the foliage.

Heuchera Firefly grows to between 12 to 18 inches high, 12 inches wide, and is a multi-year clump-forming perennial that will rapidly increase in size, crowding other plantings. A wide range of varieties thrive in shade.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Heuchera Firefly

Light Requirements

Perhaps the most intriguing quality of the Heuchera Firefly is that it likes the shade and will grow under trees and shaded areas, but it also performs in full sunshine, although partial shade is preferred in places where the climate is hotter. However, in hot summer areas, select a spot that offers afternoon shade to avoid scorching of the foliage.These plants are best grown in an area with full-day morning sun and afternoon shade.

Soil Preferences

The Firefly will perform well in a fertile, well-drained slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH between 5.5 and 7.0), with a moist but draining character. At its base, the plant needs to be fed with organic matter, in order to maintain an acidic pH. Also, consider matching the blooms grown nearby. If your garden soil is clay or sandy, mix an inch or two of compost or peat into the bed to help with drainage and moisture retention. While the plant will tolerate a wider pH range, good drainage is still crucial, loamy or sandy soil will dry out faster after extended periods of rain. Root rot is the main problem that diminishes the performance of a due to staying wet for too long.

Temperature and Hardiness

Heuchera Firefly is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, or practically everywhere in North America south of Canada and north of Florida. In these climates, it will withstand cold winters and occasional frost. It will thrive in areas of mild summers. In hot summer and cold winter areas, a little extra mulch in the winter will help keep cold air from reaching the roots, and, in hot, sunny places, extra water and afternoon shade will keep the plant healthy during the peak of the summer.

Planting and Propagation

The Heuchera Firefly is best planted in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate, and the plant has a chance of establishing its root systems before summer heat and winter cold set in. When planting in the springtime, choose a time when the risk of frost has passed, and for fall planting, aim for a few weeks before the first expected frost, so the plant has time to acclimate.

How to Plant

When planting Heuchera Firefly, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Set the plant in the hole so the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is even with the soil surface, and backfill with soil. Firm the soil lightly to remove air spaces around the roots. Thoroughly water the new plant after planting to help settle soil and establish good root contact.

Propagation Methods

Firefly heuchera is most easily propagated by division, cuttings and by seed. Division is the most common method, which can be done in the spring or fall. Dig up the clump, and divide it into smaller pieces, each with several healthy roots and shoots. Repot the divisions at the same depth as the original, spacing them 12 inches apart.

Cuttings can be taken from young, non-flowering stems anytime during the growing season. Snip off a 4-6 inch length of stem, discard the lower leaves, and plant the cutting in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the cutting moist and shaded until it develops roots.

Heuchera Firefly is more trouble to grow from seed and takes longer. Scatter seeds on the soil surface in spring, as they germinate in light, so keep the soil barely moist and after the seeds have sprouted, a warm environment will speed them along.

Caring for Heuchera Firefly

Heuchera Firefly doesn’t like dry feet, but it won’t be happy with soggy ones either – give the top inch of soil a regular drink, ensuring that it dries out on top before doing so again, and if you’re growing Heuchera in a pot, use one with good drainage and don’t let it sit around in standing water.

Fertilization

Fertilise Heuchera Firefly once in spring, or twice a year to retain attractive foliage colour and plant vigour. A high-quality, time-release, balanced fertiliser is best. In USDA zones 3-7, fertilise with a high-quality, time-release, balanced fertiliser in spring as new growth begins, and again in mid-summer if needed. In zones 8 and above, fertilise only once in spring. Do not over-fertilise, or the plant will put more energy into producing a lot of leaves at the expense of flower development.

Pruning and Maintenance

Heuchera Firefly requires little pruning; simply snip off dead or damaged leaves as you find them around the plant. When the flowers are spent, you may choose to cut back the flower stems to encourage another flush of blooms or to prevent the plant from producing seeds. Otherwise, leave the plant undisturbed until late fall, then snip off any remaining dead leaves left on the plant to reduce the risk of disease over winter.

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases are usually not a problem for Heuchera Firefly, but it’s still possible for powdery mildew, rust or crown rot to creep in. Avoiding issues like these is as easy as providing good air circulation, using proper watering techniques, and forgetting about overhead irrigation. If you find aphids or spider mites shacking up in your Firefly, get rid of them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Landscaping with Heuchera Firefly

Heuchera Firefly makes a good companion to an assortment of other shade perennials, including hostas, ferns, astilbes and other Heucheras. It can be used in borders and rock gardens, as a woodland groundcover, and in containers as part of a polychromatic planting scheme.

Seasonal Interest

One’s most obvious attractions is its year-round interest. In spring and summer, it bears light coloured, dainty flowers, which are visited by pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Then in fall, the foliage often tones down to deeper reds and purples, adding this colour to the garden. In winter, the evergreen leaves offer texture and structure to the garden, something it provides when so many other plants in the garden are dormant.

Design Tips

In designing with Heuchera Firefly, group the plant in numbers for a larger impact. You can use its vivid foliage to contrast with darker leaved plants, or pair with other brightly coloured perennials for a coordinated display. Choosing companion plants with similar water and sun exposure will help the overall garden look cohesive.

Heuchera Firefly looks good with other perennials in mixed borders. For containers, combine it with trailing plants or grasses.