Heuchera cylindrica Green Ivory

Heuchera 'Green Ivory' is an old hybrid heuchera that is very different from modern varieties selected for their colourful foliage. This one, similar to an American botanical species, possesses the subtle charm of wild plants. Its velvety light green foliage is assembled into a small tuft with a clean appearance that often persists through winter. It blooms from late spring, producing many well-filled spikes of bell-shaped flowers in ivory-white tinged with green. It is a perennial and hardy plant that should be showcased along pathways or in flower beds, preferably in partial shade, in a humus-rich soil that remains moist but well drained. Its fragrant spikes of flowers are perfect for bouquets.

Heuchera 'Green Ivory' belongs to the saxifrage family. It is derived, among others, from Heuchera cylindrica, a wild species native to the alpine meadows and cool rocky slopes of the northwest United States. The plant will reach a height of 50-60 cm (20-24 in) when in bloom (15 cm (6 in) for the foliage) and 35 cm (14 in) in width, forming a small spreading and compact tuft. The foliage consists of rounded and lobed leaves, measuring 4-6 cm (2 in) wide, which are slightly undulate, leathery, slightly villous, and light green in colour. They persist through winter if temperatures are not too low. Flowering, generous for a heuchera, begins in June (sometimes in May depending on the climate) and continues until July. It takes the form of spikes where numerous very pale bell-shaped flowers are tightly packed, of good size for a heuchera, combining ivory-white and tender green. This plant has a shallow root system that makes it sensitive to drought.

When planted in the ground, in a shaded and cool rock garden, or in a row to highlight a pathway, this heuchera will add a natural and poetic touch to the garden. Pair it with small hostas, small grasses like Carex, and low ferns for a wild effect. It also makes a good companion for shrubs (small Japanese maples) and roses. Mix it with the blue flowers of perennial geraniums, brunneras, or lungworts. Consider heucheras to fill your pots, containers, and flower boxes, along with geraniums, for example. As a cut flower, the fragrant bell-shaped flowers of this plant add a lot of lightness to bouquets.