UK compost
What compost for heuchera 'midnight rose' in the UK?
Heuchera 'Midnight Rose'
More about heuchera 'midnight rose' in the UK
Which compost heuchera 'midnight rose' needs
For heuchera 'midnight rose' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Incorporate compost and horticultural grit into planting beds to improve drainage and fertility. Soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal. Avoid poorly draining clay soils without significant amendment, as the crown is vulnerable to rot in waterlogged conditions.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows heuchera 'midnight rose' perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Heuchera 'Midnight Rose' does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the heuchera 'midnight rose' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Heuchera 'Midnight Rose' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for heuchera 'midnight rose' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Incorporate compost and horticultural grit into planting beds to improve drainage and fertility. Soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal. Avoid poorly draining clay soils without significant amendment, as the crown is vulnerable to rot in waterlogged conditions. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for heuchera 'midnight rose'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for heuchera 'midnight rose' and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow heuchera 'midnight rose' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does heuchera 'midnight rose' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — heuchera 'midnight rose' must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does heuchera 'midnight rose' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Humus-rich, free-draining loam or amended garden soil. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More heuchera 'midnight rose' care
See the full heuchera 'midnight rose' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.