Customer Reviews

Heuchera, Tiarella and Heucherella: A Gardener's Guide

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Coral bells (Heucheras) aren't just for Grandma's garden anymore. Dazzling new varieties are widely available, some even in garden departments of the big box stores. These plants tempt gardeners with their outstanding green or purple foliage, silver-laced and ruffled, and their delicate but durable flowers. This elegant book, with nearly 100 color photographs, would grace any coffee table, but it also contains all the information a gardener needs to incorporate heucheras and their relatives into rock gardens, natural settings and sunny or shady borders. Clearly written chapters tell how to to grow them well, and to propagate them successfully. The authors cover the history of the garden hybrids. They reveal fascinating details of propagation by tissue culture and offer a glimpe into the competitive world of breeding and marketing new cultivars. The book also lists public gardens and natural places where heuchera plantings can be seen.

In the last 12 years I have been collecting different varieties of heuchera, but have been looking for a helpful book on the subject. I have both books, and the authors have created the better of the two books on the subject. There is ample color photography, even one that will allow you to make your own decision about 'year around color.' The Olivers have traveled across the U.S. and included their own photos. The text also has anatomical exhibits, planting suggestions, and great writing and superior organization. It is a book with just enough of a scholarly approach to be credible, but sufficiently promotes heucheras for the home gardener. The work required to complete this book would be four times the amount of work required to complete the other heuchera book, and is selling for the same price. Therefore, if you can only afford one book, buy this book (and visit the Terra Nova webpage).

If you are a real gardener, this is a must have book.
This is an excellent book about Heuchera, Heucherella, and Tiarellas. He pulls no punches and tell it like it is. He explains in great detail which cultivars do best in varying climates and growing conditions. There is far more information in this book then I expected, it is truly a five star book. However, I erred when I originally wrote my review of this book, how could I have only given it three stars is beyond me. My heuchera, heucherallas, and tiarellas, look much better after putting into practices some of the things that I learned form this book. [...]

The opening pages are wonderful color photos of identified heucheras, also known as coral bells, and heucherellas, more than 100 of them. This is followed by chapters that include descriptions of these plants, and of more that are not pictured. Breeders and nurseries are identified. Some of the information is more technical than most of us really need, but I do love these plants and the history given helps me to understand from where such a wide variety has sprung. I've learned more than I ever expected was out there to be learned and humorous asides leaven the details, adding further enlightenment.