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Plant Brief

Heuchera
'Mocha'
from Thierry Delabroye
France

Introduced 2007

An imposing mound of massive near-black foliage, H. 'Mocha' is not only one of the darkest Heucheras money can buy, but also probably the largest example of a very dark-leaved variety.

It keeps its leaves through the winter and the new spring foliage emerges copper-brown before darkening, so provides an interesting colour show through the year.

Sprays of cream flowers rise high late in the season to provide a contrasting feature.

H. 'Mocha' has the H. villosa species in its ancestry, giving superior strength to similarly coloured varieties and making it a great all-round performer in the garden, being able to withstand heat, humidity and exposure to sunlight that would make many others wither.

Height: 14"/35cm
Spread: 20"/ 50cm
Hardiness: US zones 4-9
Blooms: July-October

Common name:
Coral Bells

Patent / Plant Breeders Rights:

EU PBR
US PPAF

 
 
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All you need to know
31-05-2006 16:50 A few words of advice will help you enjoy your Heuchera for many years to come.
By Miriam Young   

Heuchera 'Mocha' has the H. villosa species (native to the southeastern United States) in its ancestry, making it much more tolerant of heat, humidity and sun than many more commonly grown varieties.

The sun factor

How much sun to give a Heuchera is a question of the climate you live in. Basically, they don't do well in hot temperatures and strong sunlight, so the cooler the region, the more sun they can stand, the hotter the region, the less.

However, there is still a balance to strike as too much shade will decrease the number of flowers, especially in cooler climates.

 

Despite its increased tolerance for sunny conditions, H. 'Mocha' is still a Heuchera at the end of the day and still has its limitations on how much sun it can withstand.


 

Soil

Heucheras grow best in a well-drained, moist soil that contains organic matter and has an alkaline pH.  A good layer of mulch is useful to keep the roots covered, but may decrease the pH. You can counteract this by adding chalk at the end of the winter.

 

Rejeuvenating established plants

Heuchera roots grow very near the surface of the soil, often rising above to become bare and woody after a couple of years. When it gets to this stage the plants should be taken out and, if necessary, the woody parts cut back. They can then be replanted deeper, at the level of the leaves. Application of a good layer of mulch or loam can slow down this 'root rise', but only for one or two extra years.

 

 

Weevil

Planted in good soil and with a good position in the garden, Heuchera doesn't experience many pest or disease problems. However, if a plant dies suddenly, and not because the soil has dried out, it probably has root weevil.

To deal with root weevil, dig the plant out and inspect the roots for white, legless larvae. These are the larvae of the beetle called weevil must be removed and killed, and to be on the safe side, you should also dip the roots in a liquid insecticide.  Before replanting it is advisable to cut off some leaves as the damaged roots may not be able to supply enough water to the whole plant and it will dry out.

 
The Breeder
Thierry Delabroye
By Miriam Young
When the spark of inspiration ignites the flame of curiosity, it burns with a passion that any self-respecting Frenchman would be proud of!
The Story Behind the Plant
Heuchera 'Mocha'
By Miriam Young
Inspired by the size and quality of his own H. 'Brownies', Thierry set out to see what would happen when he crossed it.
Related Plants
The French Heuchera Feast
By Miriam Young
H. 'Mocha ' is one member of a closely related family of celubrious varieties discovered by Thierry and Sandrine Delabroye.
Growing Tips
All you need to know
By Miriam Young
A few words of advice will help you enjoy your Heuchera for many years to come.
Forum
General discussion on Heuchera 'Mocha'
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