Troubleshooting
Heuchera 'Fire Alarm' problems — and how to fix them
Heuchera 'Fire Alarm' (Heuchera 'Fire Alarm') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Colour fade to rust-brown
Red pigmentation fades in excessive shade or on exhausted soils; feed in spring and reassess light levels.
Crown rot
Poor drainage kills quickly; improve soil structure before planting and never let water pool around the crown.
Vine weevil
Root damage causes wilting without obvious above-ground cause; apply nematode controls annually in late summer.
Sun scorch
Despite better sun tolerance, sustained direct summer sun bleaches and scorches; protect with afternoon shade.
Winter browning
Older outer leaves may brown off in cold winters; remove in spring when fresh growth appears.
Prevent heuchera 'fire alarm' problems before they start
Most heuchera 'fire alarm' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Heuchera 'Fire Alarm' problems — FAQ
Why is my heuchera 'fire alarm' colour fade to rust-brown?
Red pigmentation fades in excessive shade or on exhausted soils; feed in spring and reassess light levels.
Why is my heuchera 'fire alarm' crown rot?
Poor drainage kills quickly; improve soil structure before planting and never let water pool around the crown.
Why is my heuchera 'fire alarm' vine weevil?
Root damage causes wilting without obvious above-ground cause; apply nematode controls annually in late summer.
Why is my heuchera 'fire alarm' sun scorch?
Despite better sun tolerance, sustained direct summer sun bleaches and scorches; protect with afternoon shade.
Why is my heuchera 'fire alarm' winter browning?
Older outer leaves may brown off in cold winters; remove in spring when fresh growth appears.