Heuchera americana ‘Dales Strain’ (right) and Heuchera sanguinea ‘Coral Forest’ after I brought them home on 5-25-24, #993-2.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’
I brought this Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ home from Wagler’s Greenhouse on May 25 in 2024. They had a HUGE selection, but most were Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain and Heuchera sanguinea ‘Coral Forest’. There were others, but I think quite a few tags were mixed up. In fact, I picked up two different plants and when I came home I discovered both had a Heuchera sanguinea ‘Coral Forest’ tag. I had to go back and figure out what the other one was for sure. That was challenging, because some of the other tags said ‘Dale’s Strain’ and some said ‘Firefly’. I decided the plant I brought home, besides ‘Coral Forest’, was indeed Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’. One it started flowering, I was definitely sure…
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 5-25-24, #993-3.
In the 1980’s, nurseryman Dale Hendricks of North Creek Nurseries, discovered a highly silvered native Heuchera americana in the mountains of North Carolina. After several years of selection, he introduced it to the public. Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ has been selected for its distinctive silver-blue marbled foliage. It has become well-known around the world for its color and vigorous nature.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 6-12-24, #996-14.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Family: Saxifragaceae
Origin: Seed grown cultivar
Zones: 4-7
Size: 18″ x 18″, 12″ spacing
Light: Sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
Water: Average. Prefers moist soil but not wet.
Flowers: White
Propagation: From division after three years.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 6-12-24, #996-15.
I planted the Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ in the bed along the north side of the house. It gets a little morning sun then a touch more in mid-afternoon.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 7-5-24, #1000-13.
It did quite well its first year and was impressed by its foliage color.
<<<<2025>>>>
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 4-9-25, #1034-7.
The Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ made it through the winter with flying colors. Cold temps turn the leaves a different color.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 4-21-25, #1038-17.
By April 21, the Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ has pretty much perked up. We were still having cool temps, especially during the night.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 4-29-25, #1039-9.
By April 29 (2024), it was really looking good and showing signs of new growth.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 5-22-25, #1045-14.
By May 22 (2025) it had sent up glowering stems. The red flowers are from its neighbor, Heuchera sanguinea ‘Coral Forest’.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ stem at 51″ tall on 5-22-25, #1045-15.
The tallest flowering stem was 51″ tall…
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 5-22-25, #1045-16.
I kept waiting for the flowers to open up, but then I realized they were already doing all they were supposed to. I guess showy flowers are not its strong point…
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 5-23-25, #1046-7.
I must say, the Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ is a strong and carefree grower.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 5-23-25, #1046-8.
Although I do like flowers, I am more of a foliage guy. It’s a good thing otherwise I would be disappointed.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 5-23-25, #1046-9.
Just look at that leaf!
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 6-12-25, #1056-8.
Despite the heat of mid to late summer, the Heuchera continued to do well. They need some shade and extra water, but they will get through.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ on 6-20-25, #1062-15.
Once flowering was complete, I removed the flowering stems to tidy them up a bit. The flowers Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ more or less fizzled out sooner than Heuchera sanguinea ‘Coral Forest’. The other Heuchera cultivars are to the left of these two and there are Hosta behind them.
Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ leaf on 6-20-25, #1062-16.
I did find it a bit odd the leaves took on a purplish hue in 2025 when they didn’t do much of that in 2024…
Although information suggests they do well in full sun to part shade, I have found their leaves burn in to much light. I prefer light to part shade and where I grow them they get a combination of both, depending on the time of the summer.
In mild winters, their leaves will remain evergreen but in cold winters they will completely die back. They are sensitive to frost heaving like Hosta, so you may need to mulch your Heuchera AFTER the ground freezes. This will help keep there ground froze somewhat. Continual freezing and thawing will heave their roots up losing contact with the soil. They don’t need much mulch, though, because they still need good drainage over the winter.
Heuchera only require a little maintenance. Trim off dead or damaged leaves in the spring and throughout the summer. Deadhead spent flowers to keep them looking tidy.
Although they do like consistently moist soil, they do not want it overly wet. They become fairly drought tolerant once established.
Information online says Heuchera are short-lived unless they are divided every 3-4 years.
Hopefully, the Heuchera americana ‘Dale’s Strain’ will make it through the winter again. Looking forward to watching it grow and taking more photos.
If you want, you can visit my Heuchera home page with a list of the Heuchera I have grown and more links for further reading bu clicking HERE.
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