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Tag: Heuchera

  • How to Grow and Care for Coral Bells (Heuchera)

    Soil

    In the wild, most alumroots grow in a woodland setting, often taking root in crevices and steep slopes that offer good drainage.

    To make your plants happy, try to replicate their preferred natural environment as best you can!

    Dark green and burgundy coral bells with small flowers on long stalks, in a garden bed with brown, dried leaves, a cement border, and a brick and cement walls in the background.
    Photo by Matt Suwak.

    That starts with soil that’s nutritious and full of organic matter. A twice-yearly application of compost is all you need to support Heuchera, as far as fertilization is concerned.

    However, soil that is too heavy and full of clay would benefit from amendments like sand and larger quantities of compost before planting. Coral bells do not do well in heavy, dense soil.

    Cultivars to Select

    I’m a sucker for the nearly black cultivars, a rare color in the garden that tends to evoke a lot of interest. But overall, I’ve never met a alumroot I didn’t like.

    Caramel

    ‘Caramel’ is nice because it has a color that gets along with almost every other hue in the garden.

    Bright orange 'Caramel' coral bells, with green foliage in the background.Bright orange 'Caramel' coral bells, with green foliage in the background.

    ‘Caramel’

    It reaches a height of about 16 inches. These plants prefer a shadier locale than their darker-leafed cousins.

    You can find plants available at Nature Hills Nursery in quart-sized and #1 containers.

    Georgia Peach

    If you want to match the lighter-hued leaves of ‘Caramel’ with that beautiful venation found in the ‘Plum Pudding,’ try ‘Georgia Peach.’

    Pinkish red 'Georgia Peach' coral bells with long flower stalks and tiny light pink blossoms.Pinkish red 'Georgia Peach' coral bells with long flower stalks and tiny light pink blossoms.

    ‘Georgia Peach’

    It reaches a height of up to 30 inches and is more of a statement plant than an accent.

    Find ‘Georgia Peach’ in #1 containers available at Nature Hills Nursery.

    Melting Fire

    ‘Melting Fire’ is a fairly typical Heuchera, but it stands apart from its peers via the transformation of its foliage from fiery red to a deep purple.

    Dark burgundy 'Melting Fire' coral bells.Dark burgundy 'Melting Fire' coral bells.

    ‘Melting Fire’

    You can find pelleted Melting Fire seeds available in a variety of packet sizes at True Leaf Market.

    Palace Purple

    ‘Palace Purple’ is another darker-leafed cultivar that I’ve seen in many gardens. Its muted, understated color is perfect as an accent to something like hostas.

    Light green, marron, and brownish purple 'Palace Purple' Heuchera.Light green, marron, and brownish purple 'Palace Purple' Heuchera.

    ‘Palace Purple’

    You can try growing ‘Palace Purple’ from seed as well.

    Find plants in quart-sized and #1 containers at Nature Hills Nursery.

    Plum Pudding

    ‘Plum Pudding’ is gorgeous – just look at the venation! I have more of this plant in my garden than any other variety.

    Pink and gray variegated 'Plum Pudding' coral bells leaves.Pink and gray variegated 'Plum Pudding' coral bells leaves.

    ‘Plum Pudding’

    It reaches a modest height of about 12 inches, and will tolerate pretty much any light condition you’ve got.

    You can find ‘Plum Pudding’ in #1 containers available at Nature Hills Nursery.

    Ruby Bells

    ‘Ruby Bells’ has green foliage, but gets its showy name from the deep red flowers that decorate the plant when in bloom.

    Pink 'Ruby Bells' heuchera flower stalks, on a white and green mottled background in shallow focus.Pink 'Ruby Bells' heuchera flower stalks, on a white and green mottled background in shallow focus.

    ‘Ruby Bells’

    You can find ‘Ruby Bells’ pelleted seeds available from True Leaf Market in a variety of packet sizes.

    Maintenance

    So, you’ve chosen your location, the perfect soil is in place, and you’ve gotten a jump on good watering practices.

    On that note, we should talk about the tendency of these plants to “heave” in the wintertime in cooler climates.

    A close up horizontal image of the bright pink foliage of a heuchera plant growing in the garden.A close up horizontal image of the bright pink foliage of a heuchera plant growing in the garden.

    When the ground freezes and thaws, it has a tendency to push alumroot from the ground, exposing its crown and making the plant look a little funky.

    Learn more about heuchera winter care here.

    Matt Suwak

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