Heuchera 'Santa Ana Cardinal' is easy to grow. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. This plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.
One of the parents to ‘Santa Ana Cardinal’ is Heuchera maxima, a native to the Channel Islands of California from which Santa Ana Cardinal inherited tall flowering stems and large plants. The other parent, H. sanguinea is native to the southwest U.S., primarily New Mexico and Arizona, and shares its genetic traits of darker blooms and larger individual flowers.
Most Heucheras are shade tolerant but do not grow well in deep shade. Generally, Coral Bells grow best with morning sun and afternoon shade. In California, plant in full sun in coastal gardens but provide afternoon shade in hot, arid inland California climates.
Heucheras need good drainage. Poor growth in the garden is generally a result of soil that is too wet with poor, slow drainage. Adding Kellogg Garden Organics Gromulch 2-in-1 Planting Mix & Mulch into the soil will help loosen compacted clay soil and improve drainage.
Water deeply and regularly the first few weeks after planting for the roots to become established. Afterwards, reduce frequency. Drought tolerant once established but looks better with supplemental irrigation. Avoid overwatering in winter. Adjust winter irrigation depending on seasonal rainfall. Do not bury the crown when planting as this may result in rot.
Evergreen in mild winter areas, Heucheras are easy to maintain. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and remove any damaged or old leaves to keep the plant looking its best. Feed with a general fertilizer like Gardner & Bloome 4-4-4 Organic All Purpose Fertilizer in spring. Clumps can be divided in spring if growth is too big for the area but is not required.
