Ebony and Ivory' Heuchera Gardeners are starting to catch on to Heuchera . They may not be able to pronounce it, but they like it. Probably the biggest reason for its trendiness is the rising popularity of perennials with attractive foliage. Just look at how popular pulmonarias, hostas and cannas have become.
Most modern cultivars combine the best characteristics of both species.
And believe me, there are a lot of new cultivars out there. During a presentation in 1995, the late plantsman J.C. Raulston said there were about 35 heuchera releases in that year. He had a legitimate concern that cultivars were being generated too quickly for consumers, and even the industry, to digest. Ore. He's had much success intensifying leaf and flower colors, increasing shade tolerance and disease resistance. Improved heucheras will probably continue to be released by his company annually.