" Heucheras have been terrible, short-lived plants for me over the years. "

That's because they were deliberately bred to be that way; or alternate-most-innocent explanation, they were only tested in the PNW and can only be long lived in that climate, and even then under ideal circumstances in that climate.

The very first generation of hybridized Heucheras in the early 1990s, like 'Pewter Veil', were reliably perennial. Then wholesalers stopped offering them. Hhhhhmmmmm, I wonder why?

This.

I have drooled over Heuchera & planted, though not fully deer- resistant I did at first think they were less attractive to the beasts than hostas. Over time I realized that some that I thought were eaten just in fact faded away.
I have had an older variety or 2 like Purple Palace survive in a container for a couple of years, I guess the good drainage helped—again, so much eye-candy container photos featuring various heuchchera because of nearly infinite colors to combine.

But no more.

I have a native Tiarella that survived for 2 years so far & hoping it comes back this spring- but it’s not very showy. I saw a big sized variegated one in nursery last year but it was pricey—may take the plunge if see similar again.

I had the same experience with Huechera. And before I knew, I bought a lot of them. All gone. Even the nurseries around here don’t carry the large variety they did years ago.

I’ve also had better luck with Tiarellas coming back.

I’ve only had one kind of Heucherella. I bought three plants to group together. They went the way of the Huecheras. Disappeared after a couple of years. But it was one type, all in one area, so was it the plant or the placement? But I’m not trying any more of them.

Yes for those of us in the east we need Heuchera that have H. villosa lineage.

Interesting, I still have the odd Tiarella but I find them very short lived. On the other hand I have had Heucherella 'Rosalie' for well over two decades. It is super dependable.

This is a division from the original below.

Heucherella 'Rosalie'

Laurie, I have the same experience as you… the heuchera thrive here. The only time I have had a problem with heuchera is fall plantings….I am guessing not enough time for root development before the freeze comes. Tiarella and heucheralla are annual plantings here, I gave up on them.

Sherry

I am a huge fan of Heucherella. I am in Northern Virginia and they seem to come back strong every year. My Tiarella are good, too, but not as showy . I just spent forever going through my photos to find a picture for you, but couldn't find one. Sigh.

Between drought and vine weevils, all 3 are fleeting indulgences...apart from one ancient heuchera with dark leaves and grey veins- name long since forgotten.