Coral Bells Care
- Light. Most varieties of coral bells do best in partial shade, especially in hotter climates. ...
- Soil. Coral bells prefer humus-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH, somewhere between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Water. This plant has medium water needs and likes consistently moist soil. ...
- Temperature and Humidity. ...
- Fertilizer. ...
How do you grow coral bells?
Their low-growing, mounding habit makes them a suitable addition to the edges of woodland or natural gardens. They’re also great companions for many types of perennial plants. You can also grow coral bells in containers. Give these plants moist, but well-draining soil—preferably enriched with compost or another type of organic matter.
How do you take care of coral bells in winter?
In cold areas, coral bells crowns can heave above the soil line in the winter. Winter mulching will help prevent the freezing/thawing cycle that pushes the plants up, and you should check periodically to make sure the roots are not exposed.
Do you cut back coral bells after flowering?
While coral bells don't need much maintenance, you can cut back the entire flower stalk after flowering to put the plant's energy into growing more leaves. Coral bells are short-lived perennials, so you'll want to divide the plants every three to five years in the early spring or fall to keep them healthy.
Are coral bells good for a shade garden?
Coral bells are wonderful perennial plants to grow in the garden, and are a good choice for a shade garden. If planted in the right location, they should return readily year after year. Plant these low maintenance plants in rock gardens, as ground covers, along steep banks, or in the shade garden en masse all on their own.
How often should I water coral bells?
Established plants will tolerate some drought, but an inch of water per week is the best way to keep them happy. If you grow your coral bells in full sun, plan to give them extra water—their shallow roots will need extra moisture during hot, sunny days.
Where do coral bells grow best?
Coral bells is a fairly easy plant to grow in a semi-shady location in well-draining, organically rich soil. Some hybrid cultivars can do quite well in full sun—though they will require more water to thrive. This plant is a good choice for providing color in a landscape filled with shade trees.
Do coral bells need full sun?
Coral bells were traditionally thought of as shade lovers. Heuchera villosa, however, is a species that is native to southeastern U.S. It is an adaptable species that thrives in full sun to part shade, grows happily in soils ranging from slightly wet to slightly dry and is unfazed by high humidity.
Do coral bells need sun or shade?
part shadeThe ideal conditions for coral bells is part shade, meaning 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and out of the way of scorching afternoon sun. However, heuchera plants will grow in any amount of sunlight, including full sun, as long as you water well.
Do coral bells do well in pots?
Popping coral bells into your containers is another smart choice. They grow well in containers and are happy to mingle with other plants. The variety of colors available makes Heuchera an easy complement to almost any design.
How long do coral bells last?
around three to four yearsCoral Bells are a perennial that live only around three to four years. However, as they age, they become stronger and more vibrant instead of weaker and smaller like some plants.
Do you cut back coral bells for winter?
Whether coral bells are evergreen or not in your zone, we don't suggest cutting them back in late fall. Why? Their foliage protects their crown through the winter. All you have to do for another year of vibrant color is tidy the plant up in spring!
Should I deadhead coral bells?
Divide heuchera clumps as needed, or every three or four years. Deadhead the flowers, to promote more blooms, which may continue into summer. After the flowers are finished, simply cut off the stalks to help the plant put more energy into leaf production.
Why is my coral bells dying?
Why is my newly planted coral bells dying? If you have not long planted your coral bells, then your plant may be suffering from crown rot. If the crown of your plant is too deep in wet soil, this can result in the disease.
Can you grow coral bells indoors?
Coral Bells can be grown indoors as houseplants. Select a spot that receives medium to bright indirect light and water when the top few inches of the soil dry out. They prefer a site where the overnight temperature is between 45- and 60-degrees F. Keep the soil moist, but not wet.
Do coral bells like coffee grounds?
Plants that DISLIKE coffee grounds Here are some examples of plants that should NOT use coffee grounds: Trees: Silver maple, Green ash, burr oak and Austrian Pine. Shrubs: lilac, boxwood, oleander, barberry, juniper. Perennials: geranium, clematis, coral bells, salvia, sweet pea.
How do you winterize coral bells?
Step 1 - Remove dead or damaged growth. Step 2 - Place mulch, pine straw, or dead leaves around the plant to protect the roots. Step 3 - Move potted plants to a protected space, either in a garage or basement or inside your home.
Should coral bells be cut back in the fall?
Whether coral bells are evergreen or not in your zone, we don't suggest cutting them back in late fall. Why? Their foliage protects their crown through the winter. All you have to do for another year of vibrant color is tidy the plant up in spring!
Do coral bells like coffee grounds?
Plants that DISLIKE coffee grounds Here are some examples of plants that should NOT use coffee grounds: Trees: Silver maple, Green ash, burr oak and Austrian Pine. Shrubs: lilac, boxwood, oleander, barberry, juniper. Perennials: geranium, clematis, coral bells, salvia, sweet pea.
What do coral bells look like in winter?
The striking foliage can be green, burgundy, silver, brown, or purple, and the plants can retain their foliage throughout the winter in some areas. As long as the plant is covered in winter, Coral Bells can survive the cold conditions and come back in the spring.
What should I plant with coral bells?
Coral bells are well suited companion plants as well. Consider pairing them with Japanese painted ferns, hostas, astilbe or lungwort. Plant breeders have been creating varieties with improved attributes like larger and more floriferous blooms which make the addition of coral bells to your garden a great choice!
How much rain should I put on my coral bells?
I find that about 1 inch of rain a week is plenty for my shade-loving and moisture-savoring plants like Heuchera. If the weather is especially hot or my coral bells are in full sun, I’ll turn on the soaker hose for about 30 minutes.
What is the color of coral bells?
The primary appeal of coral bells is its foliage. Most varieties are a deep purple or burgundy, but colors ranging from red to lime green are available too. Heuchera have small bunches of flowers that grow on a long stalk, or thyrse. These flowers are delicate and colorful, but are not very flashy.
How long can alumroot go without water?
In my experience, alumroot can go weeks without a drop of water and still look great. Of course, when they get that water they’re much happier, and look far healthier than their drought-stricken kin.
How much sun do sage plants need?
They are considered shade plants and seem to do their best with about 4-6 hours of sunlight a day, but I’ve worked with them in full-sun conditions and they are fine and dandy.
Do coral bells like moist soil?
Most folks I’ve worked with indicate that coral bells prefer consistently moist soil (we’ll talk about soil requirements in more detail next), and that makes this plant a great partner of part-sun lovers like astilbe and hosta.
Can coral bells be planted in a container?
Popping coral bells into your containers is another smart choice. They grow well in containers and are happy to mingle with other plants. The variety of colors available makes Heuchera an easy complement to almost any design.
Do coral bells need compost?
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.
How to grow coral bells?
Quick Tips for Growing Coral Bells: 1 Plant in partial shade as full sun can cause leaf scorch 2 Mulch well to avoid roots being exposed as soil shifts seasonally 3 Cut back flower stalks in fall to direct energy into leaves
Do coral bells like sun?
Coral bells plants prefer partial shade but can take more sun in cold climates. Give them well-drained, moist, rich soil that’s neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Some species, like H. sanguinea, don't tolerate clayey or acidic soils.
Can Heucheras be planted alone?
Heucheras are striking in borders with other shade-loving perennials, but when planted solo makes a beautiful container.
Is a coral bell evergreen?
Because most heucheras are evergreen, they bring year-round interest to the garden, even under a dusting of snow. Coral bells are versatile in the garden and landscape. Plant in masses, for edging, as a specimen plant and in containers. Use in a mixed perennial border or in a woodland shade garden along with other shade loving perennials such as ...
Introduction
Coralbells sport airy flower spikes on wiry stems above low-growing, often dramatic foliage. Varieties with variegated or dark purple leaves make stunning ground covers, and the delicate flower spikes won't obscure the plants behind them, making them a good choice for the front of the border. Another common name is alum root.
About coral bells
Most coralbells sport clouds of tiny, bell-shaped pink, coral, red, or white flowers in late spring or early summer. However, varieties grown primarily for their foliage may have insignificant blooms. Foliage colors include red, purple, silver, as well as green, and some varieties sport marbled or patterned leaves.
Ongoing Care
Remove dead foliage in early spring, then apply a thin layer of compost, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Cut back flower stalks after blooms fade.
Choosing a site to grow coral bells
Select a site with full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. In areas with hot summers, light shade is preferred.
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 1 to 2 feet apart depending on the variety. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant's container.
What are coral bells?
Heucheras, once called alum roots, now more commonly known as coral bells, are adaptable easy-care perennials native to the United States , and have enjoyed an explosion of breeding and popularity in the last twenty years. In the Saxifragaceae family, the basal foliage resembles ruffled lettuces, and dainty bells rise on stalks called a thyrse, creating a candelabra effect. There are hybrid heucheras for sun or shade, in a rainbow of colors including lime, rust, bronze, silver, purple, and near black in solids and variegated varieties.
How to keep a sage plant from heaving?
Top-dress the soil with compost in the fall, remove and dispose of any diseased foliage, and mulch crowns well to prevent heaving out of the ground after freezes. In early spring, trim off brown foliage. If growing in containers, protect from cold winds and rain, and stop watering while they are dormant.
How to promote new blooms?
You can promote new blooms by removing old flower stalks down to the base. In spring and fall, clear and remove any spent foliage, especially if you see signs of rust, in which case discard without composting. Divide clumps as needed every three years or so.
When do coral bells bloom?
The spikes of tall, bell-shaped blooms is where the coral bells flowers get their name and are just as impressive as the foliage color, blooming in late spring to early summer. There are also late-blooming types available. The flower color varies too, with colors ranging from white and pink to light coral and deep red.
What are coral bells?
Coral bells ( Heuchera) may also be known by alumroot. These perennial plants are hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 3 and though they’re usually listed as evergreens in many climates, they can actually be found in several foliage colors—like bronze, purple, and more. The spikes of tall, bell-shaped blooms is where the coral bells flowers get their name and are just as impressive as the foliage color, blooming in late spring to early summer. There are also late-blooming types available. The flower color varies too, with colors ranging from white and pink to light coral and deep red.
Can coral bells grow in shade?
Coral bells can be easily grown in the garden. These plants grow naturally in wooded areas; therefore, when planting coral bells, you’ll want to mimic these growing conditions by placing them in shade or filtered sun. Their low-growing, mounding habit makes them a suitable addition to the edges of woodland or natural gardens.
Can you plant coral bells perennially?
Planting Coral Bells: Tips For Growing The Coral Bells Plant In Your Garden. If you’re looking for stunning color in the garden, then why not consider planting the coral bells perennial. Not only will you receive lots of flower color, but you’ll fall in love with the plant’s intense variety of foliage color too.
Do coral bells need water?
Once established, these plants require little in the way of maintenance other than occasional watering, though container grown plants may require more water. You can deadhead spent blooms if desired. Although these plants generally do not rebloom, this will improve its overall appearance.
Where do coral bells grow?
Coral bells grow in Hardiness Zones 4 through 9 and thrive best in partial shade and sometimes full sun. Some cultivars are more comfortable in certain regions. Still, because coral bells grow throughout North America in prairies, mountains, woods, and even more arid climates, the semi-evergreen coral bells plant can grow almost anywhere.
What is a coral bell?
What Are Coral Bells? Coral bells (sometimes called alumroot) belong to the Heuchera genus of perennial flowering plants native to North America. Several cultivars make up the genus, and hybridization is common, so species of coral bells can look quite different from each other.
Do coral bells attract butterflies?
If your coral bells are thriving—perky with dark purple or rich flower colors come bloom time—they’ll attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insects will fly to the bell-shaped flowers to consume their sweet nectar.
How much sun does a coral bell need?
The ideal conditions for coral bells is part shade, meaning 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day , and out of the way of scorching afternoon sun. However, heuchera plants will grow in any amount of sunlight, including full sun, as long as you water well.
What kind of soil do coral bells like?
Soil: Heuchera does best in rich well-draining soil , but is tolerant of clay or rocky soils and salt. If you have heavy clay garden soil, amend it to improve the drainage before planting your new coral bells or plant them in a raised bed.
What is a Heuchera bell?
Heuchera - The Ultimate Guide to Coral Bells from Proven Winners ®. Heuchera - The Ultimate Guide to Coral Bells from Proven Winners. ®. Heuchera is a versatile perennial, with attractive foliage and bell-shaped flowers. Also known as coral bells, they offer an array of colors and forms, multi-seasonal interest and long bloom time.
What is a primo coral bell?
Primo ® coral bells are larger and make showy specimens in containers, and pair easily with hostas and other part shade loving plants in the landscape. Primo varieties are well-suited to climates with hot, humid summers but thrive all across North America.
How to fertilize a container garden?
Fertilizing: In spring, spread a thin layer of compost or apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer around the base. For container-grown plants, supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer according to instructions.
Can coral bells be grown in pots?
Pots: Coral bells grow beautifully in containers . Just make sure there is a hole in the bottom where the excess water can drain from. Transplant into the landscape in early fall if you'd like them to come back again next year. If you garden in zones 6b or warmer, they can be overwintered in containers.
Do coral bells grow in containers?
Dolce ® coral bells tend to be smaller plants than those in the Primo collection. That makes them easier to pair with other plants in container recipes and to use near the front of the landscape border.
Where do coral plants grow?
The coral plant is a single-trunked small tree or shrub. It is native to Mexico and Central America. The foliage is deeply lobed, up to 12 inches (30.5 cm.) across, and cut into 7 to 11 leaflets in a palmate form. The upper surface of the leaf is dark green but the undersides display a whitish cast. Flowers arise from thick stalks in cymes. Each flat-topped cluster has numerous tiny, bright pink, butterfly-attracting blooms. The fruit is a flat pod. All parts of Guatemala rhubarb are extremely poisonous if ingested.
Do container plants need water?
Container plants should have water reduced in winter. The species tends to self-seed at the base of the plant and can also be propagated by cuttings. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant in habit and when damage is done to the stems.
Do coral plants need to be deadheaded?
Warm zone gardeners will have a full season of blooming. Deadhead the plants to enhance appearances and diminish self-seeding starts. Overall care of coral plants is minimal and basic. The huge plant, shockingly bright flowers, and delicate leaves provide enough incentive for any effort expended by the gardener.
Varieties
Features
- Coral bells make wonderful edging plants and put on a show when planted in groups. The foliage color is great for playing up the colors of nearby flowers. Darker purple leaves can make yellow flowers, like coreopsis, glow. Butterscotch colored leaves even bring out the tones of simple green leaves. Pair coral bells with lacy-leaved plants, like fringed-leaf bleeding heart or thread-leaf cor…
Symptoms
- The larvae of the black vine weevil can bore into the crowns and roots of coral bells. The larvae are usually present in late summer/early fall. Affected plants will wilt and droop. You should be able to see the larvae and remove them by hand and destroy them.
Environment
- Coral bells like a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH, somewhere between 6.0 and 7.0. Good drainage is a must, especially in shaded areas. Sitting in the damp soil will cause the crown to rot.
Cultivation
- This plant has medium water needs. It likes consistently moist soil. It will tolerate some weeks without water, but an inch of water per week is best to keep it happy. Most coral bells are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8, although hardiness does depend on the variety you are growing and how hot or cold it gets. In cold areas, coral bells crowns can heave above the soil line, in the win…
Offspring
- You can start the species Heuchera from seed, but the hybrids will need to come from plants or divisions if you want plants that look like the parent.
Preparation
- When starting seed, sprinkle the seed on the surface of the soil in late fall or early spring. Don't cover the seed; they need light to germinate. You could also start the seeds indoors, a couple of months before you plan to transplant. Seeds take between two to eight weeks to germinate. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.