Troubleshooting
Heuchera 'Raspberry Ice' problems — and how to fix them
Heuchera 'Raspberry Ice' (Heuchera 'Raspberry Ice') 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
Overwatering or poor drainage causes rapid crown decay; always plant in free-draining conditions with the crown at soil level.
Vine weevil
Characteristic notched leaf margins from adults and root destruction from larvae; preventive nematode treatment in late summer is effective.
Raspberry margin fading
The pink leaf margins can fade to green in deep shade; ensure at least 1-2 hours of morning sun for best bicolour effect.
Botrytis
Grey mould can colonise crowded or damaged foliage in cool, damp conditions; remove dead or affected leaves promptly and improve airflow.
Frost heave
Freezing and thawing can lift the shallow crown; firm back into the soil after thaw events and apply light mulch around (not over) the crown.
Prevent heuchera 'raspberry ice' problems before they start
Most heuchera 'raspberry ice' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Heuchera 'Raspberry Ice' problems — FAQ
Why is my heuchera 'raspberry ice' crown rot?
Overwatering or poor drainage causes rapid crown decay; always plant in free-draining conditions with the crown at soil level.
Why is my heuchera 'raspberry ice' vine weevil?
Characteristic notched leaf margins from adults and root destruction from larvae; preventive nematode treatment in late summer is effective.
Why is my heuchera 'raspberry ice' raspberry margin fading?
The pink leaf margins can fade to green in deep shade; ensure at least 1-2 hours of morning sun for best bicolour effect.
Why is my heuchera 'raspberry ice' botrytis?
Grey mould can colonise crowded or damaged foliage in cool, damp conditions; remove dead or affected leaves promptly and improve airflow.
Why is my heuchera 'raspberry ice' frost heave?
Freezing and thawing can lift the shallow crown; firm back into the soil after thaw events and apply light mulch around (not over) the crown.