Heuchera (Coral Bells)

What is Special about Coral Bells?

Coral Bells are a special choice for many reasons. Here are some features that make them stand out:

• • Varied and Striking Foliage: The foliage of Coral Bells is their main attraction, with color variations from bright lime green to deep burgundy, chocolate, caramel, and almost black. Some varieties also have variegated or veined leaves, further increasing their appeal. This year-round foliage interest can provide beautiful contrast and depth in the garden.

• • Versatility: Coral Bells can thrive in a range of conditions from full sun to shade, depending on the variety. This makes them a versatile choice for many locations in a garden or landscape.

• • Compact Size: Their small and tidy growth habit makes them perfect for borders, containers, or tight spaces, as well as being ideal for underplanting larger shrubs or trees.

• • Pollinator Attraction: Despite their small size, the delicate bell-shaped flowers of Heuchera attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making them an excellent choice for a pollinator garden.

• • Low Maintenance: Coral Bells are generally resistant to common pests and diseases, and are also deer and rabbit resistant. They are also tolerant of drought conditions once established, making them a good option for a low-maintenance or xeriscape garden.

• • Seasonal Interest: With their evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage and blossoms that bloom in spring and sometimes again in summer, Coral Bells provide multi-season interest.

• • Great for Cuttings: The tall, slender stems topped with tiny bell-shaped flowers make beautiful additions to cut floral arrangements.

With these unique attributes, Coral Bells can make a delightful and valuable addition to many garden designs.

Popular Coral Bells Varieties

Garden Design with Coral Bells

Coral Bells are a versatile group of plants that can play many roles in the garden, thanks to their colorful foliage and compact growth habit. Here are a few ways you can incorporate them into your garden design:

• Border Plants: Their tidy growth habit and attractive foliage make Coral Bells an excellent choice for edging paths or bordering flower beds. They can provide a nice contrast to taller or more upright plants behind them.
• Containers: Coral Bells are great for containers due to their neat mounding habit and vibrant leaf colors. They can be a striking centerpiece in mixed container plantings or can stand alone.
• Woodland Gardens: Coral Bells are native to woodlands and adapt well to these conditions in the garden. Plant them under trees or in shady borders along with ferns, hostas, and other shade-lovers.
• Rock Gardens: Some varieties of Coral Bells are suited to the well-drained conditions of rock gardens. Their colorful leaves can bring visual interest to these settings.
• Mass Plantings: Use Coral Bells en masse to create a colorful, low-maintenance ground cover. The contrasting colors of different varieties can create a stunning effect.
• Wildlife Gardens: The small, bell-shaped flowers of Coral Bells are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a good choice for a wildlife or pollinator garden.

Companion Plants

Coral Bells, or Heuchera, are excellent for creating contrast and interest in a variety of settings due to their variety in color, texture, and form. Here are some plants that make great companions for Heuchera:

• Hostas: With their larger, lush foliage, hostas can complement the more delicate Heuchera plants, particularly in a shade garden.
• Ferns: The delicate, feathery foliage of ferns contrasts nicely with the more substantial leaves of Heuchera. Both enjoy similar woodland conditions.
• Astilbes: The plume-like flowers of Astilbes and their fern-like foliage create a beautiful contrast with Heuchera, both in texture and color.
• Tiarella (Foamflower): Tiarella and Heuchera are cousins and naturally complement each other well. They can even be interbred to form the hybrid x Heucherella.
• Grasses: Ornamental grasses can add a different texture and form to the garden that complements Heuchera well, especially in sunnier locations.
• Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra): The arching sprays of heart-shaped flowers create a lovely contrast with the mounding habit and scalloped leaves of Heuchera.
• Pulmonaria (Lungwort): The silver-spotted leaves and early spring flowers of Pulmonaria work well with Heuchera, particularly in a shade garden.
• Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum): The silvery-grey foliage of this fern makes a stunning combination with purple- or lime-colored Heuchera.

Remember, the key to successful companion planting is to match plants with similar light and water requirements. Heuchera generally prefers well-drained soil and does best in part shade, but requirements can vary based on the specific variety.

Growing Tips

Heuchera is a popular plant due to its vibrant foliage and low maintenance requirements. Here are some tips on how to grow Heuchera:

• Soil: Heuchera prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil. It can tolerate a wide pH range, but neutral to slightly acidic conditions are ideal.
• Light: While some varieties can tolerate full sun, most Heuchera do best in partial shade. In hotter climates, the afternoon shade is beneficial.
• Water: Provide regular watering for Heuchera, especially in dry conditions. However, avoid waterlogged soils as this can lead to root rot.
• Planting: When planting Heuchera, ensure the crown of the plant (the part where the stem and root meet) is slightly above soil level to prevent rot. Space plants about 1-2 feet 30-60 cm) apart to allow for air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring to promote growth. Be cautious not to over-fertilize as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flower productions.
• Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. You can also trim back any damaged or winter-burned leaves in early spring.
• Dividing: Heuchera can benefit from being divided every 3-5 years to maintain vigor. This is typically done in the spring or fall.
• Pests and Diseases: Heuchera is relatively resistant to pests but watch for vine weevils and foliar nematodes. Rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot can also sometimes be an issue, but ensuring good air circulation can help prevent these problems.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beautiful, year-round color that Heuchera brings to your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun facts about heuchera?

• Heuchera is also known as “Coral Bells” due to the bell-shaped flowers it produces.
• It is a member of the Saxifrage family and is native to North America.
• Heuchera plants come in a wide range of colors, including green, purple, red, and silver.

Where do heucheras grow best?

• Partial shade or filtered sunlight, although some varieties can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
• Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

What is the life of a heuchera?

• Heucheras are perennial plants, meaning they can live for several years with proper care.
• The lifespan can vary depending on the specific variety and growing conditions.

Can Heuchera be in the sun?

• While Heucheras prefer partial shade, some varieties can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture and protection from extreme heat.

Is Heuchera heat tolerant?

• Heucheras are generally considered heat tolerant but may require extra care and moisture during hot summer months.
• Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

How do I stop my Heuchera from getting leggy?

• To prevent leggy growth, ensure that Heucheras receive adequate sunlight and are not overcrowded.
• Regular pruning of spent flower stalks and removing any leggy or weak growth can help maintain a compact habit.

Can Heuchera be grown as a houseplant?

• Some Heuchera varieties can be grown as houseplants with bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
• Indoor temperatures and humidity levels should be suitable for the specific variety being grown.