The term “Coral Bells” refers to various species of the Heuchera genus, which includes hundreds of variants and hybrids. Coral Bells is a perennial foliage plant with new variations developed each year. Native to North America, the plants will grow in spherical mounds with a wooden rootstock or crown at the base and tiny bell-shaped blooms that appear on the tall stalks in spring or early summer.
Coral Bells are simple to grow in the garden. These perennial plants are adaptable to USDA plant climate zone 3, and while they are typically categorized as evergreens in many areas, they may be found with a variety of leaf hues, including bronze, purple, and others. Coral Bells flowers are named for the spikes of high, bell-shaped blossoms that bloom in late spring to early summer and are equally as striking as the leaf color. Late-blooming varieties are also available. Flowers come in a variety of colors, from white to pink to pale coral to deep crimson.
Growing Coral Bells
There are several heuchera species, including H. sanguinea, a desert native once known as Coral Bells. Many Heucheras sold as hybridized landscape plants are now known as Coral Bells. These plants’ foliage is perhaps their most stunning characteristic. The leaves are frequently big and heart-shaped or spherical, with many being variegated or ruffled. Since most Heucheras are perennial, they add year-round appeal to the garden, even when there is snow on the ground.
Here are some brief facts about the popular aesthetic plant:
- Latin name: Heuchera spp.
- Other names: Alumroot
- Native to: North America
- Invasiveness: No
- Tenderness: Herbaceous perennial
- Sun: Full, Partial Sun
- Water: Average
- Soil: Rich, moist but well-drained
- Hardiness zone: Zones through
- When to plant: Late fall or early spring
- Spacing: 1-2 feet
- Plant height: 8–18 in.
- Bloom period: Spring, summer
- Time to maturity: 1-2 Years
- Container friendly: Yes
- Fertilizer: Slow releasing
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
- Deer resistant: Yes
- Pest resistant: No
Coral Bells enjoy the partial shade, although, in colder areas, they may tolerate more light. Give them well-drained, wet, rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 that’s neutral to slightly acidic. Clayey or acidic soils are toxic to some species, such as H. sanguinea. Heucheras don’t take much attention aside from frequent watering throughout their first year of development.
Water
This plant requires medium water and prefers constantly wet soil. Established plants can withstand some drought, but an inch of water every week will keep them happy. Plan to give your Coral Bells more water if you plant them in full sun—their thin roots will require extra moisture on hot, sunny days.
Sunlight
Most Coral Bells thrive in partial shade, especially in hotter areas. If left in full sun, their color might fade, and too much light can cause their leaves to sear. Remember that plants grown in damp shady areas can be susceptible to fungal infections; if your plants begin to exhibit symptoms, it’s best to relocate them to a drier location.
Soil
Coral Bells likes humus-rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, which is neutral to slightly acidic. Because resting in moist soil causes the top of the plant to decay, good drainage is essential, especially in shady places.
Fertilizing
In the spring, apply a 1/2-inch layer of compost or a modest dose of slow-release fertilizer to it. This plant requires just moderate feeding; large applications of quick-release fertilizers will prevent blossoming. To restore nutrients that drain from the soil, feed container-grown Coral Bells with a water-soluble fertilizer. Follow the directions on the product package for the quantity.
Invasiveness
Coral Bells is not an invasive plant species. They grow gently and attract pollinators and birds.
Growing Coral Bells In Containers
Although growing perennials like Coral Bells in pots is unusual, it is possible, and this species does well when grown in this manner. Select a container with a drainage system and a planting mix that drains well. Maintain the root crown higher than the soil line while growing in pots. If you want the plants to survive the winter relocate them to a safe spot to protect them from the cold winter temperatures. Withhold watering and let the plants fall dormant over the winter months. While the stunning foliage may urge you to grow Coral Bells as a pot plant, they are not suitable for this use. These forest plants thrive well in outdoor pots where they may rest over the winter, but they are rarely effective as indoor houseplants.
Care & Tips
Heuchera clumps should be divided as needed or every 3 or 4 years. Deadhead the blossoms to encourage new blooms, which may last into the summer. After the blooms have been completed, just cut the stalks off to allow the plant to focus more energy on leaf formation. If desired, trim the leaves back in the early spring to avoid crowding new growth. This shrub frequently remains evergreen throughout the winter in warmer areas. In some regions, overwintering merely entails clearing away plant waste to keep fungus at bay.
Common Problems
Coral Bells is normally a low-maintenance plant, however, it can be impacted by fungi such as rust, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spot. Weevils and foliar nematodes are two insects that might cause difficulties. In late summer or early fall, the larvae of the black vine weevil can burrow into the crowns and roots of Coral Bells, causing the plants to wilt and droop. The larvae on the plant should be visible, and you should be able to remove and destroy them by hand. If the problem continues, use a light pesticide or neem oil to treat your plants. When temperatures change, keep an eye out for soil heave, which occurs when the earth freezes and thaws, pulling roots up out of the ground. Mulching is beneficial.
Propagating Coral Bells
Coral Bells are often propagated by splitting root clusters. Both autumn and spring division are viable options, though many growers prefer fall. Heuchera plants frequently generate miniature offsets surrounding the main plant, and these offsets are simple to dig up and replant. The divisions’ root crowns should be placed so that they are barely covered with dirt. Heuchera plants have a limited lifespan and should be divided every two or three years to keep them from withering off.
Wildlife Attracted By Coral Bells
Hummingbirds love Heucheras, so planting them is a win-win situation. The nectar-rich blossoms attract hummingbirds and butterflies and make attractive cut bouquets.
Uses For Coral Bells
Coral Bells are known for their beautiful foliage. It may be used in both the garden and the landscape. Plant in groups, as an edging plant, as a specimen plant, or in pots. Use with other shade-loving perennials like bleeding heart, iris, and astilbe in a mixed perennial border or a forest shadow garden. Natural partners include hosta, impatiens, ferns, and caladiums.
Coral Bells represent adversity.
Consider growing Coral Bells in your garden if you want to add a splash of color. You will adore the plant’s dramatic array of leaf colors as well as the variety of blossom hues.
