Heucherella Solar Eclipse: A Stunning Addition to Your Garden
× Heucherella Solar Eclipse

Position
- Partial shade to full sun
- Morning sun and afternoon shade ideal
- Protected from strong winds
- North, east or west-facing aspects suitable
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -20°C (-4°F)
- Suitable for all UK gardens
Soil Type
- Well-drained, humus-rich soil
- Moist but not waterlogged
- Tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH
- Benefits from organic matter incorporation
Soil PH
- Tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH
Height
- Height: 30-35cm (12-14 inches)
- Spread: 40-45cm (16-18 inches)
Seasons of Interest
- Foliage: Deep burgundy leaves with scalloped black edges
- Spring: Fresh new growth
- Summer: Deep purple-black leaves
- Autumn: Maintains dark colouring
- Flowers: Small cream blooms on tall stems in late spring
- Year-round interest from foliage
Additional Notes
- Excellent ground cover plant
- Perfect for containers and borders
- Remove damaged leaves in spring
- Cut back flower stems after blooming
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigour
- May need extra water during dry spells
- Protect from slugs and snails
- Lift and divide if centre becomes woody
- Works well with other shade-loving perennials
- Semi-evergreen in mild winters
- Good for lighting up shady areas
- Low maintenance
- Makes excellent border edging
- Combines well with ferns and hostas
Heucherella Solar Eclipse
Heucherella Solar Eclipse is a spectacular addition to any garden. This striking plant offers a unique combination of dark foliage and vibrant lime green edges, creating a dramatic display. Its ease of care and attractive form make it a worthwhile addition for gardeners of all levels. This article will explore everything you need to know about growing this beautiful perennial.
What is Heucherella Solar Eclipse?
Heucherella Solar Eclipse is a cross between Heuchera and Tiarella. This hybrid inherits the best traits of both parents, resulting in a vigorous, attractive plant. It forms a vigorous mound of dense crowns, reaching approximately 35cm in height. Its most striking feature is its foliage. The leaves are broadly scalloped, displaying a rich burgundy-brown colour. A prominent lime green border adorns each leaf. As the plant matures, the colour becomes more prominent. In winter, the leaves may lose some of their vibrancy, but the plant remains attractive, even if it is only semi-evergreen in colder climates. The plant also produces sprays of small white flowers in late spring and early summer.
This plant makes a wonderful container plant. It also looks attractive in beds and borders, where its dark foliage provides excellent contrast. It’s a superb choice for adding drama and colour to your garden.
How Do I Grow Heucherella Solar Eclipse?
Planting Heucherellas is straightforward. Plant it in spring in fertile, well-drained soil. Partial shade is ideal. Rich, moist soil is preferred, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch annually to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. The plant prefers moist, fertile soil and performs best in partial shade. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant, needing only occasional watering during dry periods.
This hardy perennial is relatively low maintenance. Divide clumps every couple of years to maintain vigour. The plant prefers a position with some shelter from strong winds.
Heucherella Solar Eclipse Care: What’s Involved?
Maintaining your Heucherella is simple. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, helps it thrive. You should mulch annually with organic material to help retain moisture and improve soil structure. This plant is relatively pest and disease-resistant.
Consider dividing clumps every couple of years to prevent overcrowding and maintain the plant’s vigour. This is best done in spring or autumn. Remember that the plant’s colour is most vibrant in partial shade.
Where Can I Buy Heucherella Solar Eclipse?
You can typically buy Heucherella Solar Eclipse from garden centres, nurseries and online plant retailers across the UK. Many online retailers such as Amazon also stock this popular plant.
Heucherella: Ideal Planting Locations
This plant is versatile. It thrives in borders, adding a vibrant touch to the edge of the garden. It also performs well in containers, perfect for patios or smaller gardens. The plant’s attractive form and dark foliage make it a standout in mixed borders. In a woodland garden, the partial shade and moist soil are ideal conditions.
What are the Best Companions for Heucherella Solar Eclipse?
Heucherellas combine beautifully with many other plants. Its dark foliage contrasts well with lighter coloured plants. Consider pairing it with plants that have bright flowers or lighter-coloured foliage to enhance its dramatic effect. Experiment to find your perfect combination.
What are the Challenges of Growing Heucherella Solar Eclipse?
While generally easy to grow, Heucherella Solar Eclipse can be susceptible to pests and diseases in less than ideal conditions. Slugs and snails may occasionally target its foliage. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage to prevent problems.
How Do I Propagate Heucherella?
Propagation is generally done by division. Divide established clumps in spring or autumn. This is a simple method for increasing your stock of this attractive plant. Ensure each division has sufficient roots and foliage to thrive.
Key Points to Remember:
- Its foliage is a stunning rich burgundy-brown with a lime green edge
- It produces sprays of small white flowers in late spring and early summer
- It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil
- It is relatively low maintenance
Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on perennials for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the deal with Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’?
A: Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ is a decorative perennial, a cross between Tiarella and Heuchera. It’s prized for its vibrant, broadly scalloped leaves. These combine rich burgundy-brown with a slim golden edge, making it a standout in any garden.
Q: Can I plant Heucherella in a container?
A: Absolutely! This perennial thrives in containers. Ensure good drainage; it’ll flourish. It’s perfect for adding colourful flair to patios or balconies.
Q: How do I maintain my Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’?
A: Maintenance is straightforward. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells. This semi-evergreen plant is quite hardy, requiring minimal fuss.
Q: When is the best time to plant Heucherellas?
A: Spring is best. It settles before summer’s heat. Choose a partially shaded spot to keep its vibrant leaves looking their best.
Q: Do Heucherella produce flowers?
A: Yes! Starry white flowers appear on slender stems, adding charm. They bloom in late spring/early summer, enhancing colourful borders.
Q: How does Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ look in winter?
A: In winter, the scalloped foliage deepens to a beautiful dark hue. While it may lose some leaves, the remaining leaves appear nearly black, a striking contrast against snow.
Q: Can I use Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ as a border plant?
A: Definitely! Its attractive form and broadly scalloped leaves make it ideal for borders. It creates a stunning garden edge, especially when combined with other colourful perennials.
Q: Where can I buy coral bells × heucherella like ‘Solar Eclipse’?
A: Find Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ at most garden centres or online plant retailers. Check for healthy plants to ensure good quality.
Q: Are Heucherella suitable for all gardens?
A: Yes! This versatile perennial suits various garden styles, modern or traditional. Just ensure it’s placed to showcase its vibrant foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the deal with Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’?
A: Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ is a decorative perennial, a cross between Tiarella and Heuchera. It’s prized for its vibrant, broadly scalloped leaves. These combine rich burgundy-brown with a slim golden edge, making it a standout in any garden.
Q: Can I plant Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ in a container?
A: Absolutely! This perennial thrives in containers. Ensure good drainage; it’ll flourish. It’s perfect for adding colourful flair to patios or balconies.
Q: How do I maintain my Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’?
A: Maintenance is straightforward. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells. This semi-evergreen plant is quite hardy, requiring minimal fuss.
Q: When is the best time to plant Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’?
A: Spring is best. It settles before summer’s heat. Choose a partially shaded spot to keep its vibrant leaves looking their best.
Q: Does Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ produce flowers?
A: Yes! Starry white flowers appear on slender stems, adding charm. They bloom in late spring/early summer, enhancing colourful borders.
Q: How does Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ look in winter?
A: In winter, the scalloped foliage deepens to a beautiful dark hue. While it may lose some leaves, the remaining leaves appear nearly black, a striking contrast against snow.
Q: Can I use Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ as a border plant?
A: Definitely! Its attractive form and broadly scalloped leaves make it ideal for borders. It creates a stunning garden edge, especially when combined with other colourful perennials.
Q: Where can I buy coral bells × heucherella like ‘Solar Eclipse’?
A: Find Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ at most garden centres or online plant retailers. Check for healthy plants to ensure good quality.
Q: Is Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’ suitable for all gardens?
A: Yes! This versatile perennial suits various garden styles, modern or traditional. Just ensure it’s placed to showcase its vibrant foliage.