HEUCHERA Fire Chief

Description and Characteristics

Heuchera 'Fire Chief' is a stunning evergreen perennial renowned for its vibrant red foliage, year-round colour, and repeat blooming. Part of the villosa hybrid group, this variety combines ornamental beauty with excellent heat and humidity tolerance, making it one of the most versatile Heucheras for gardens across a wide range of climates.

The foliage is fiery red with pink overtones, deepening to burgundy tones in cooler months, and often showing subtle silvery veining. The leaves are slightly ruffled and form a compact, dome-shaped mound. Unlike some cultivars, 'Fire Chief' maintains its rich colour throughout the year, even in heat and humidity.

From spring to autumn, it produces slender stems bearing small, bright pink bell-shaped flowers, which contrast beautifully with the foliage and attract bees and pollinators. The extended bloom period and strong visual appeal make it a favourite for both containers and borders.

‘Fire Chief’ grows to about 25–30 cm tall, with a spread of 30–40 cm, and flower spikes reaching up to 45–60 cm, making it perfect for edging, containers, and mixed plantings.

• Evergreen perennial with vivid red foliage and pink flowers

• Grows to 25–30 cm high and 30–40 cm wide

• Flowering from late spring through autumn

• Excellent for containers, front-of-border planting, or underplanting shrubs

• Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Heuchera 'Fire Chief' is easy to grow and maintain, thriving in a variety of conditions from partial shade to full sun, with consistent moisture and well-drained soil.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial shade or morning sun with afternoon shade

  • Can tolerate full sun in cooler climates if soil remains moist

  • Intense colour is maintained best with some sun exposure

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows well in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils

  • Tolerates a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or chalky

  • Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, particularly in hot or dry conditions

  • Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to crown rot

  • In containers, water consistently and ensure good drainage

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • For container-grown plants, use liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Remove old or damaged foliage in spring or after flowering to refresh appearance

  • Deadhead flower stems to encourage repeat blooming

  • Divide every 3–4 years to maintain plant vigour and shape

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 4–9 (RHS H5–H6)

  • Evergreen in mild winters, semi-evergreen in colder areas

  • Mulch lightly in autumn to protect roots from extreme cold

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Design Ideas

Heuchera 'Fire Chief' provides seasonal colour, foliage contrast, and pollinator support in a wide range of garden designs. Its rich red foliage serves as an anchor in both formal and informal plantings.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for front-of-border use, container planting, and mixed perennial beds

  • Perfect for colour-themed gardens, especially red or warm-toned schemes

  • Works well in cottage gardens, woodland edges, and urban landscapes

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with Hosta, Tiarella, Brunnera, Astilbe, and Pulmonaria

  • Contrasts with gold, lime, or silver foliage plants like Hakonechloa, Stachys, or Carex

  • Pairs well with spring bulbs or low ornamental grasses

• Container Use:

  • Excellent for terracotta pots, patio planters, and balcony containers

  • Use peat-free, well-drained compost

  • Trim and feed regularly for best foliage and flowering display

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Long flowering season makes it a valuable support plant in wildlife gardens

  • Works well in pollinator-friendly and low-input schemes

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • In containers, watch for vine weevil larvae—inspect roots and use biological controls

  • Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal problems

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.