Heuchera hybrida Melting Fire

Heuchera 'Melting Fire', or Melting Fire Coral Bells, is a sturdy perennial that forms lush clumps over time. It displays sumptuous, ever-changing, semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage. In spring, it emerges in blood-red shades, then quickly turns a purplish-violet that infuses from the centre of the leaves. In autumn, the red transforms into deep purple. Its slender stems bear numerous spikes of tiny coral-pink flowers from July to September. This heuchera is not demanding and tolerates heat and sun, but thrives in humus-rich and moist soils.

'Melting Fire' belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is a hybrid of Heuchera villosa, native to the mountains of the eastern United States. It will reach 40cm (16in) in all directions. It forms a large spreading clump, expanding over time. The foliage is the plant's major asset: a mix of blood-red and wine, evolving with the seasons and temperatures. As summer reaches its peak, the red colour fades and the foliage becomes greener. It turns purplish-violet in autumn and remains dark red in winter. The leaves are rounded and strongly veined. The light and airy flowering begins in June and continues until August. The pink bell-shaped flowers are arranged along an upright stem. This plant has a shallow root system.

'Melting Fire' can be planted in the ground in a flower bed, in a shaded and cool rockery, or in a pot. When planted together in a flower bed, it brings dynamism to the garden. Pair it with hostas, grasses, and ferns for a wild effect. It also makes a good companion for shrubs and roses when planted in woodland areas. In a rockery, place a contrasting mulch at its base to highlight its beautiful foliage. Finally, it makes an ideal ground cover with remarkable colours. Pair it with blue flowers, the only shade it truly lacks, and it will be a perfect complement. Heuchera are ideal plants for filling your pots, containers, and flower boxes. They also make lovely cut flowers, as their delicate bell-shaped blooms bring a sense of lightness to bouquets.

With their trembling stems and tiny bells, heuchera were very fashionable in the 19th century in all European gardens. They were named Painter's Despair by the Impressionist painters, who were likely unsuccessful in trying to depict them.