Coral Bells, Heuchera, named in honor of Johann von Heucher, is an evergreen perennial, native to America, that blooms from early June until the end of August.
When speaking of the flowers, gardeners generally refer to this plant as Coral Bells; but when referring to the foliage the botanical name Heuchera is used. There are hundreds of cultivars on the market and plant breeders are introducing new varieties every year.
The common name of Coral Bells is derived from the nodding, airy, bell-shaped flowers produced on tall flower stalks.<CM+RT Although the flowers are not large or showy, their little dancing blooms are dainty and attractive.-RT> In 1991 Heuchera was named the Perennial Plant of the Year. The two basic varieties are plants with green foliage and pink and red flowers and those with purple leaves and white flowers.
This low-growing, mound-shaped plant, is primarily grown for its foliage, which comes in a variety of colors. Leaves may be heart-shaped, rounded, or lobed, frequently with scalloped edges and have striking colors and unique variegation patterns.
Some may be ruffled, which adds interest and contrast to other garden plants. As the plant ages, older leaves can take a different appearance in color than newer leaves. Additionally, in fall you may notice that leaves have grown larger.
Heuchera does well as a front-of-the-border or accent plant, makes a stunning groundcover and is great in a woodland garden. It will do well when planted under shrubs and small trees and its foliage will enhance surrounding plants. Because of their low, mounding habit they’re often used as an edging along a path. Astilbe, Lady’s Mantle, Hosta, Ferns and Phlox all make good companions.
This perennial appreciates a well drained, organic soil; avoid a heavy clay-type soil. Remember that perennials with “wet feet” won’t survive the winter. Heuchera will tolerate dry conditions and most varieties prefer shade to light shade, with a few tolerating a sunny location. It’s best to avoid the hot afternoon sun, which can cause browning along the edge of leaves. Keep in mind that plants in too heavy shade may become leggy and seldom flower.
Most perennials should be planted and transplanted in the spring. Work the soil to a depth of at least six inches and make sure to add some organic material. Space your Heuchera about one-foot apart. If you purchase a plant whose root system is potbound make sure to tease the roots a bit before planting, and then water in well.
In the spring apply a thin layer of compost around your established plants and remove any dead foliage. Heuchera don’t self-sow readily in the garden and seeds don’t easily germinate.
The best method of propagating this perennial is by division. As the clumps grow, they rise above the ground on woody crowns. Lift the clump every 3-4 years, remove the oldest woody portions of the crowns and replant the rosettes into well prepared soil and water well. When the leaves of your Heuchera seem to get smaller, your plant should be divided.
Deadheading any spent blooms will prolong the bloom season and keep your garden looking tidier. You can fertilize with Miracle Gro plant food every few weeks or use the slow release Osmocote every four months.
Heuchera villosa, with its mid-green leaves and white flowers, is the hardiest type, which includes such popular varieties as “Mocha” and “Carmel.” “Palace Purple,” the “Stella D’Oro” of the Heuchera plants, started the recent Heuchera movement, with its large purple leaves with bright red undersides, replacing the traditional green leaves. Discovered in a Royal Palace in England, this plant does best with mostly shade.
Other villosa beauties include “Miracle,” with chartreuse leaves that emerge in spring and develop into a deep red color as the plant ages, and “Pinot Gris,” whose young leaves are a ginger color with a light silver overlay. Mature leaves turn smoky rose with a heavy silver overlay and deep purple undersides.
A new introduction by White Flower Farm of Litchfield, Connecticut, (1-800-503-9624 or whiteflowerfarm.com/heuchera ) features Heuchera Lime Marmalade,” with lime-green leaves sure to brighten up any shady area.
In the same plant family, plant breeders have created Foamy Bells, Heucherell, a hybrid resulting from a cross between Heuchera and Tiarella, a spreading, pink-flowering perennial. Foamy Bells need shade to keep the foliage from burning, but plants will not flower well in deep shade. X Heucherella “Golden Zebra” offers stunning, lush, bright yellow foliage with dark red centers.
There are even some dwarf Heuchera, growing only 8 inches tall, such as “Venus,” which has large silver leaves with dark green margins that would be perfect in a container.
This easy to care for perennial with its delicate, long-blooming flowers and beautiful foliage also is attractive to hummingbirds. They can even be enjoyed as long-lasting cut flowers both in a vase with water or included in a floral arrangement.
Rain Bird, a manufacturer of irrigation products, offers a selection of devices that will automatically adjust your watering schedule according to changing weather conditions in the area, decreasing the amount of irrigation water you use by up to 70 percent. For more information go to www.rainbird.com.
Lee Gugliada is past president of the Great Kills Garden Club and past director of First District Federated Garden Clubs of New York State.