Coral Bells.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial

Light

Partial Shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

1-2 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Provide well-draining soil and consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering and improve appearance. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and rejuvenate the plant.

Watering

Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in cooler weather.

Feeding

Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can reduce foliage vibrancy.

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed. Cut back flower stalks after blooming.

Repotting

Repot when the plant becomes crowded or loses vigor, typically every 2-3 years. Divisions can be replanted.

Soil

Rich, well-draining loam

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

-34.4 to 32.2°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

Generally considered non-toxic to humans, though consuming parts of the plant is not recommended.

Children

No specific risks to small children beyond general caution with plant matter; ensure they do not ingest any part of the plant.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling the foliage or sap.

Airborne allergens

Pollen is generally not considered a significant respiratory allergen.

Edibility

While not typically considered toxic, it's best to avoid ingesting any part of the plant.

How to identify it

• Bell-shaped flowers on thin stalks
• Palmate, often lobed leaves
• Foliage in many colors
• Low-growing, clumping habit
• Evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves

Height

0.3 to 0.6m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

Green, Purple, Red, Amber, Lime, Silver, evergreen

Flowers

White, Pink, Red, Coral, 0.3 to 0.6cm

Common problems

• Root Weevil — Larvae feed on the roots, causing wilting and dieback. Adults chew notches in the leaves.
• Leaf Spot — Fungal or bacterial spots appear on the leaves, often exacerbated by wet conditions.
• Powdery Mildew — A white, powdery coating on the leaves, common in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
• Vine Weevil — Larvae damage roots leading to plant decline; adults chew characteristic notching on leaf edges.

Growing it

Propagation

Division, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant Heuchera in groups to create a stunning mass of color and texture, or use them as edging plants in shady borders.

Grows well with

• Hostas — Hostas share similar shade and moisture preferences, creating a lush underplanting.
• Ferns — Ferns thrive in the same shady, moist environments and complement Heuchera's foliage textures.
• Astilbe — Astilbes offer feathery blooms and thrive in moist, shady conditions, pairing well with Heuchera.
• Brunnera — Brunnera's heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers are a beautiful contrast to Heuchera's foliage in shady spots.

Keep away from

• Slugs — Slugs are notorious for eating holes in Heuchera leaves, especially in damp conditions.
• Root Weevils — Their larvae can severely damage the root system, leading to plant decline and death.

Similar species

• Heucherella — A hybrid between Heuchera and Tiarella, offering similar foliage and flower forms but often with more vigorous growth or unique leaf patterns.
• Tiarella — Known as Foamflower, Tiarella shares similar woodland habitat preferences and delicate, often lobed or cut leaves, and produces airy, foamy white flower spikes.

Science

Family

Saxifragaceae

Genus

Heuchera

Order

Saxifragales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Primarily North America, with species found from Alaska to Mexico.

Conservation

Most Heuchera species are not of conservation concern, though some rare varieties or specific wild populations might be locally threatened.

Heuchera species typically grow in woodland understories, rocky slopes, or shaded crevices, adapting to dappled light and moist, well-drained soils.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental, groundcover, container plant

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

What are the best growing conditions for Heuchera?

They prefer partial shade to full shade, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and consistent moisture.

How often should I water my Coral Bells?

Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogged soil. Aim for consistently moist, but not soggy, conditions.

Can Heuchera be grown in containers?

Yes, they are excellent for containers, provided the pot has good drainage and the soil is suitable.

Do Coral Bells attract pollinators?

Yes, their delicate flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and moths.

When is the best time to plant Heuchera?

Spring or early fall are ideal times for planting Heuchera to allow them to establish before extreme weather.

Where the name comes from

The common name 'Coral Bells' refers to the shape and color of its flowers. The scientific name, Heuchera, honors Johann Heinrich von Heucher.

Good to know

• There are over 40 recognized species of Heuchera native to North America.
• The genus is named after Johann Heinrich von Heucher, an 18th-century German physician and botanist.
• Many colorful cultivars have been developed, offering foliage in shades of purple, lime green, bronze, and silver.
• Coral Bells are very adaptable and can thrive in a variety of garden settings if their basic needs are met.