Troubleshooting
Heucherella Sweet Tea problems — and how to fix them
Heucherella Sweet Tea (Heucherella 'Sweet Tea') 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 in wet soil
Heavy, poorly drained or waterlogged soil rots the crown, especially over winter. Plant high in well-drained humus-rich soil and avoid standing water.
Frost heave
The shallow woody crown can lift out of the ground during freeze-thaw cycles. Mulch in winter and firm any heaved crowns back into the soil in spring.
Faded leaf colour
In deep shade the amber-orange tones go flat and green. Move to brighter filtered light or morning sun to restore the colour.
Powdery mildew and rust
Still, humid air and wet foliage invite fungal spotting on the large leaves. Improve spacing and airflow and water at the base.
Prevent heucherella sweet tea problems before they start
Most heucherella sweet tea issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for heucherella sweet tea in general rather than its problems? Read the full heucherella sweet tea care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Heucherella Sweet Tea problems — FAQ
Why is my heucherella sweet tea crown rot in wet soil?
Heavy, poorly drained or waterlogged soil rots the crown, especially over winter. Plant high in well-drained humus-rich soil and avoid standing water.
Why is my heucherella sweet tea frost heave?
The shallow woody crown can lift out of the ground during freeze-thaw cycles. Mulch in winter and firm any heaved crowns back into the soil in spring.
Why is my heucherella sweet tea faded leaf colour?
In deep shade the amber-orange tones go flat and green. Move to brighter filtered light or morning sun to restore the colour.
Why is my heucherella sweet tea powdery mildew and rust?
Still, humid air and wet foliage invite fungal spotting on the large leaves. Improve spacing and airflow and water at the base.