Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Coral Bells, also commonly known as alumroot, and scientifically classified as Heuchera, are versatile perennials prized for their vibrant foliage and delicate flowers. These low-maintenance plants offer a wide range of colors, textures, and sizes, providing a solution for adding year-round interest to any garden.

At Gardencenterpoint.com, we believe understanding Heuchera varieties and proper Coral Bells care is key to unlocking their full potential. Whether you are looking to buy Coral Bells, learn how to care for them, or find a local retailer, this is your ultimate guide.

What is Coral Bells Plant? A Comprehensive Overview

Coral Bells are native to North America and belong to the Saxifragaceae family. They are known for their adaptability, thriving in a range of climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, with some variation depending on the specific cultivar). The plants form neat mounds of foliage, ranging in height from 6 inches to 2 feet, with flower spikes that can reach up to 3 feet, depending on the variety.

Common Name	Coral Bells, Alumroot
Botanical Name	Heuchera (Genus) – Species varies by cultivar (e.g., Heuchera sanguinea, Heuchera micrantha, Heuchera americana, and many hybrids)
Family	Saxifragaceae
Origin	Native to North America
Life Cycle	Perennial
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial, some semi-evergreen
Hardiness Zone	Primarily 4-9 (USDA), but varies by cultivar. Some are more heat-tolerant, others more cold-tolerant.
Sunlight	Partial Shade (4-6 hours morning sun) is ideal for most. Some varieties tolerate Full Sun (6+ hours), others Full Shade (less than 2 hours direct sun). Check specific cultivar requirements.
Maintenance	Low
Water	Moderate. Consistently moist, but well-drained soil is crucial. Avoid overwatering and soggy conditions.
Drainage	Well-Drained is essential. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
Soil pH	6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Spacing	12-24 inches apart, depending on the mature size of the variety.
Flowering Period	Late Spring to Early Summer (May-July) is typical, but some varieties bloom later or rebloom sporadically.
Height	6-24 inches (depending on variety). Flower stalks can reach 1-3 feet, depending on variety.
Spread/Width	12-24 inches (depending on variety)
Growth Rate	Moderate
Foliage Color	Extremely diverse: Shades of green, chartreuse, lime, amber, peach, orange, red, burgundy, purple, silver, near-black, and many combinations and patterns (veining, marbling).
Flower Color	Small, bell-shaped flowers. Colors range from white, cream, pink, coral, to red. Flower prominence varies by cultivar; some are grown primarily for foliage.
Flower Benefit	Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies (pollinators).
Garden Style	Shade Garden, Woodland Garden, Rock Garden, Border Garden, Container Garden, Cottage Garden
Uses	Ground Cover, Borders, Edgings, Mass Plantings, Containers, Hanging Baskets, Accent Plant, Rock Gardens, Underplanting for Trees and Shrubs, Erosion Control
Deer Resistance	Generally considered deer-resistant.
Pest & Disease Resistance	Generally resistant, but susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil. May occasionally experience leaf spot, slugs, snails, or weevils.
Propagation Methods	Division (easiest and most common), Seed (may not be true to type for hybrids)
Winter Interest	Many varieties are evergreen or semi-evergreen, providing foliage color throughout the winter in milder climates.
Notable Features	Exceptional foliage color and texture diversity; low maintenance; adaptability to various light conditions; pollinator-friendly; deer-resistant.

What truly sets Coral Bells apart is their foliage. While they do produce small, bell-shaped flowers (hence the name “Coral Bells”), the leaves are the main attraction. Leaf colors range from deep burgundy and purple to chartreuse, lime green, amber, silver, and almost black. Many varieties also feature intricate veining or patterns, adding further visual interest. The flowers, which appear in late spring to early summer, are typically white, pink, or red, and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

A study by the University of Minnesota Extension highlights the increasing popularity of Coral Bells due to their “low maintenance requirements and wide range of foliage colors.” They are a favorite among both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Choosing the Right Coral Bells Variety for Your Garden

With hundreds of Heuchera cultivars available, selecting the right one can seem daunting. Gardencenterpoint recommends considering these factors:

• Foliage Color: Determine the desired color palette for your garden. Do you want bold, dark colors, bright, light colors, or something in between?
• Leaf Size and Texture: Some varieties have large, bold leaves, while others have smaller, more delicate foliage. Consider the overall scale and texture you want to achieve.
• Plant Size: Choose a variety that will fit the available space without overcrowding other plants.
• Sun Exposure: While most Coral Bells prefer partial shade (4-6 hours of morning sunlight), some varieties can tolerate full sun (6+ hours), while others require full shade (less than 2 hours of direct sun). Check the plant tag or description carefully.
• Bloom Time and Color: If you want to attract pollinators, choose varieties with prominent flowers. Consider the bloom time and color in relation to other plants in your garden.
• Hardiness Zone: Be sure that the variety you are considering will do well where you live.

Here’s a table showcasing some popular Coral Bells varieties with their key characteristics:

Variety	Foliage Color	Leaf Size/Texture	Plant Size	Sun Exposure	Bloom Time/Color	Hardiness Zone
‘Palace Purple’	Deep purple	Large, lobed	12-18″ tall	Partial shade	White/Late Spring	4-9
‘Lime Marmalade’	Chartreuse/Lime green	Ruffled	10-12″ tall	Partial shade	White/Early Summer	4-9
‘Obsidian’	Nearly black	Smooth, rounded	10-12″ tall	Partial shade	White/Late Spring	4-9
‘Caramel’	Amber/Apricot	Large, slightly hairy	10-16″ tall	Partial shade/Sun	Cream/Early Summer	4-9
‘Midnight Rose’	Dark purple with pink spots	Rounded	10″ tall	Partial shade/Sun	Pink/Summer	4-9
‘Forever Purple’	Ultra-violet purple, glossy	Ruffled	12″ tall 22″ spread	Full Sun to Full Shade	Purple-pink/Summer, Fall	4-9
‘Northern Exposure Amber’	Amber	Medium	11″ tall 20″ spread	Part Shade to Shade	Cream/ Summer	3-9

Planting Coral Bells

Planting Coral Bells is relatively straightforward. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a spot that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for your chosen variety. Ensure the soil is well-draining. Coral Bells do not tolerate soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. A soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture found that incorporating organic matter significantly improved the growth and vigor of Coral Bells.
3. Dig the Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
4. Remove the Plant from the Container: Gently loosen the roots before planting.
5. Place the Plant in the Hole: Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
6. Backfill the Hole: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
7. Water Thoroughly: Water the plant deeply after planting to settle the soil.
8. Add Mulch: Add a layer of organic mulch. About 2-3 Inches thick will help retain moisture, and suppress weed, while also moderating soil temperature.

Coral Bells Care

Coral Bells are relatively low-maintenance plants, but proper care will ensure they thrive.

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on your climate, soil type, and the specific variety. As a general rule, water deeply once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering is a bigger concern.
• Fertilizing: Coral Bells are not heavy feeders. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Alternatively use compost. A study from the Ohio State University Extension recommends using a fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 NPK ratio.
• Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season. In early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 2-3 inches above the ground to encourage fresh, new growth. This is especially important for older plants that may have become woody. You can also deadhead spent flower stalks to promote continued blooming, although this is not essential.
• Dividing: Every 3-4 years, or when your plants begin to get too crowded, divide them. Do this in the spring or fall.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Coral Bells are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occasionally be affected by:

• Root Rot: This is the most common problem, usually caused by poorly draining soil or overwatering. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. Prevention is key: ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
• Leaf Spot: Fungal leaf spot can occur in humid conditions. Symptoms include brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation.
• Slugs and Snails: These pests can feed on the leaves, especially young, tender growth. Handpick them, use beer traps, or apply a slug and snail bait.
• Weevils: In certain areas, weevils can be an issue.
• Powdery Mildew: Appears when nights are cool and days are warm.

The University of California Integrated Pest Management Program offers comprehensive resources on managing pests and diseases in gardens, including information specific to Coral Bells.

Landscaping with Coral Bells

Coral Bells are incredibly versatile in the landscape. They can be used in a variety of ways:

• Borders and Edgings: Their neat, mounding habit makes them ideal for creating borders and edgings along walkways, paths, or flower beds.
• Ground Cover: In shady areas, Coral Bells can be used as a ground cover, creating a colorful carpet of foliage.
• Containers and Hanging Baskets: Their compact size makes them perfect for containers and hanging baskets, adding a splash of color to patios, decks, and balconies.
• Rock Gardens: Their drought tolerance and ability to thrive in well-drained soil make them a good choice for rock gardens.
• Woodland Gardens: Their preference for partial shade makes them a natural fit for woodland gardens, where they can be combined with other shade-loving plants.

Companion Plants for Coral Bells

Coral Bells pair well with a wide range of other plants. Consider these combinations:

• Hostas: The contrasting foliage textures and colors of Hostas and Coral Bells create a visually appealing combination.
• Ferns: The delicate foliage of ferns complements the bolder leaves of Coral Bells.
• Astilbes: Astilbes offer feathery plumes of flowers that contrast nicely with the rounded foliage of Coral Bells.
• Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra): The heart-shaped flowers of Bleeding Hearts add a touch of whimsy to the garden when paired with Coral Bells.
• Heucherella: This hybrid is a cross between Coral Bells and Foamflower.

Propagating Coral Bells

Coral Bells can be propagated by division or by seed. Division is the easiest and most reliable method.

• Division: Divide Coral Bells in early spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp knife or spade to separate the crown into smaller sections, each with roots and leaves. Replant the divisions immediately.
• Seed: Coral Bells can be grown from seed, but the resulting plants may not be true to the parent plant, especially with hybrid varieties. Sow seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Use a seed-starting mix and keep the soil moist. Germination can take several weeks.

Winter Care for Coral Bells

In most regions, Coral Bells are evergreen or semi-evergreen, meaning they retain some or all of their foliage throughout the winter. However, in colder climates, they may die back to the ground.

• Mulching: In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch (shredded leaves, straw, or pine needles) around the plants in late fall to protect the crowns from freezing temperatures. Avoid piling mulch directly on the crown, as this can lead to rot.
• Snow Cover: Snow cover can provide excellent insulation for Coral Bells.
• Watering: Continue watering through fall and winter, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.

Coral Bells Uses and Benefits

Coral Bells offer far more than just pretty foliage; they are a versatile and beneficial addition to any garden or landscape. Their adaptability, aesthetic appeal, and ecological contributions make them a valuable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Gardencenterpoint understands the multifaceted benefits of Heuchera, and we’re here to showcase why they deserve a place in your outdoor space.

Beyond their visual charm, Coral Bells provide several practical uses. Their dense, mounding habit makes them an excellent choice for ground cover, effectively suppressing weeds and reducing the need for frequent mulching. This is particularly useful in shady areas where other ground cover options may struggle. A study by the North Carolina State University Extension highlights the effectiveness of Coral Bells as a living mulch, noting their ability to reduce soil erosion and conserve moisture. This translates to less work for the gardener and a healthier garden ecosystem.

Furthermore, their ability to thrive in partial shade makes them a crucial component of shade gardens. Many flowering plants struggle in low-light conditions, but Coral Bells flourish, providing vibrant color and texture where other plants fail. They can brighten up dark corners, underplant trees, and add depth to woodland settings. This versatility extends to container gardening as well. Coral Bells are perfectly suited for pots and hanging baskets, adding a splash of color to patios, balconies, and porches. Their compact size and low maintenance requirements make them ideal for container arrangements.

The benefits of Coral Bells extend beyond aesthetics and practicality. They also play a role in supporting local ecosystems. Their flowers, though small, are a valuable source of nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies, contributing to pollinator biodiversity. While deer typically avoid them, making them a good choice for areas with high deer pressure, the plant can provide coverage for insects. The foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects, further enhancing the garden’s ecological balance.

From a design perspective, the sheer variety of Coral Bells cultivars offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re aiming for a dramatic, bold statement with dark purple foliage or a soft, calming effect with pastel shades, there’s a Coral Bell variety to suit every taste and style. They can be used to create contrasting textures, define borders, add pops of color, and unify different elements of the landscape. Their year-round visual interest, with many varieties retaining their foliage color throughout the winter, ensures that your garden remains vibrant even during the colder months.

Consider these specific use cases:

• Erosion Control: On slopes or uneven terrain, the dense root system of Coral Bells helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
• Foundation Plantings: Their compact size and attractive foliage make them a good choice for planting around the foundation of a house.
• Underplanting Trees: Coral Bells thrive in the dappled shade beneath trees, adding color and texture to otherwise bare areas.
• Accenting Water Features: Their tolerance for moist (but well-drained) soil makes them suitable for planting near ponds or streams.
• Themed gardens: Coral Bells are great in moon gardens, rock gardens, and shaded nooks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are Coral Bells deer-resistant? Yes, Coral Bells are generally considered deer-resistant, although deer may nibble on them if other food sources are scarce.
• Do Coral Bells attract hummingbirds? Yes, the flowers of Coral Bells attract hummingbirds.
• Can Coral Bells grow in full sun? Some varieties can tolerate full sun, but most prefer partial shade.
• Can Coral Bells grow in full shade? Some varieties tolerate full shade, but most perform best with at least some morning sunlight.
• How often should I water Coral Bells? Water regularly, especially during dry periods, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• How often should I fertilize Coral Bells? A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient.
• Are Coral Bells poisonous to people or pets? No.