Troubleshooting
Heuchera 'Purple Petticoats' problems — and how to fix them
Heuchera 'Purple Petticoats' (Heuchera 'Purple Petticoats') 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.
Crown rot
Wet conditions at the crown are particularly problematic in winter; plant in raised beds or on slopes where drainage is reliable.
Botrytis in ruffled foliage
Moisture can collect in the deeply ruffled leaves, promoting grey mould; thin overhead foliage and ensure airflow around the plant.
Vine weevil
Root-feeding larvae cause rapid plant collapse; apply biological nematode treatment to the soil in late summer as a routine preventive.
Fading purple colour
Dense shade gradually shifts foliage towards greenish-purple; some morning light maintains the intense colouring.
Frost heave
Shallow crown can be lifted by freeze-thaw cycles; press firmly back into the ground after each thaw event and mulch lightly around the base.
Prevent heuchera 'purple petticoats' problems before they start
Most heuchera 'purple petticoats' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Heuchera 'Purple Petticoats' problems — FAQ
Why is my heuchera 'purple petticoats' crown rot?
Wet conditions at the crown are particularly problematic in winter; plant in raised beds or on slopes where drainage is reliable.
Why is my heuchera 'purple petticoats' botrytis in ruffled foliage?
Moisture can collect in the deeply ruffled leaves, promoting grey mould; thin overhead foliage and ensure airflow around the plant.
Why is my heuchera 'purple petticoats' vine weevil?
Root-feeding larvae cause rapid plant collapse; apply biological nematode treatment to the soil in late summer as a routine preventive.
Why is my heuchera 'purple petticoats' fading purple colour?
Dense shade gradually shifts foliage towards greenish-purple; some morning light maintains the intense colouring.
Why is my heuchera 'purple petticoats' frost heave?
Shallow crown can be lifted by freeze-thaw cycles; press firmly back into the ground after each thaw event and mulch lightly around the base.