Troubleshooting
Plum Pudding Heuchera problems — and how to fix them
Plum Pudding Heuchera (Heuchera 'Plum Pudding') 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 heaving
Winter freeze-thaw pushes the woody crown out of the ground, exposing roots. Mulch in autumn and replant or firm heaved crowns in spring.
Crown and root rot
Wet feet rot the crown rapidly. Plant high in free-draining, grit-amended soil and avoid overwatering.
Vine weevil
Adults notch the leaf edges while larvae eat the roots, causing sudden wilting in pots. Treat with biological nematodes if grubs are found.
Leggy, woody crowns
Older plants lift and go bare in the centre over a few years. Lift, divide, and re-bury the stems every 3-4 years to rejuvenate.
Prevent plum pudding heuchera problems before they start
Most plum pudding heuchera issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for plum pudding heuchera in general rather than its problems? Read the full plum pudding heuchera care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Plum Pudding Heuchera problems — FAQ
Why is my plum pudding heuchera crown heaving?
Winter freeze-thaw pushes the woody crown out of the ground, exposing roots. Mulch in autumn and replant or firm heaved crowns in spring.
Why is my plum pudding heuchera crown and root rot?
Wet feet rot the crown rapidly. Plant high in free-draining, grit-amended soil and avoid overwatering.
Why is my plum pudding heuchera vine weevil?
Adults notch the leaf edges while larvae eat the roots, causing sudden wilting in pots. Treat with biological nematodes if grubs are found.
Why is my plum pudding heuchera leggy, woody crowns?
Older plants lift and go bare in the centre over a few years. Lift, divide, and re-bury the stems every 3-4 years to rejuvenate.