Hi!
Wondering if it's OK to oil the leaves of Heuchera 'forever purple' and 'berry smoothie.' They just arrived and I'm not happy with their color right now, but I suspect that will change once I get them settled. If so, WHAT kind of oil should I use?
Also, any tips on planting? Should I use 1:2 compost to potting soil? Thank you all in advance for your insight!
Lisa

Welcome to Garden.org, @LisaOsgood !

I don't really have any direct experience with this, and hopefully someone who does will chime in here, but I wouldn't advise applying oil to the leaves... I know that is sometimes recommended for house plants, but I'm assuming your heuchera are outdoor plants? At any rate, I think the colors will perk up once they are established.

Happy gardening!

Welcome, Lisa!
I can't help with the question (sorry). I have never heard of oiling heuchera leaves.

Why do you want to oil the leaves? Do they have a fungus that would be the only reason to do it. Are you planting in ground or in a container? The most important thing is very good drainage. Forever Purple does best in bright shade without much direct light. Berry Smoothie has Villosa in it and can take more direct light. Best color in Spring and Fall.

Don't do it! You will stop the leaves transpiring. You will also add more stress to the plants. Once they settle into their planting spaces & start producing new leaves you will get better colour.