Perennial Profile: Coral Bells

Berry Smoothie

Coral Bells, often referred to by their botanical name of Heuchera, is an indispensable plant to have in the garden. Most notable for the vast variety of foliage colors, Coral Bells is also a prolific bloomer that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies while being ignored by rabbits and deer. In addition, Coral Bells will often grow in places other plants will not due to their adaptability in regards to sun exposure. Most prefer part sun, but many will tolerate full sun, while some will tolerate almost full shade. This wide rage of sun/shade tolerance makes Coral Bells the perfect plant for eastern and western exposures that receive direct sun for part of the day and many hours of shade as well. This plant will also do well under trees and shrubs. The brilliant foliage of Coral Bells enhances the beauty of surrounding plants. 

Hercules

Coral Bells are generally a low-growing, mounding plant usually about 12-24 inches wide and 12-36 inches tall depending on the cultivar. Although the flower scapes tower up to 18 inches above the plant, the delicate flowers and airy composition of the stems don't detract or hide other plants behind making this plant perfect for borders and edging. Coral Bells are evergreen perennials regardless of snow cover and will be among the first plants to take shape in the spring. One caution is to refrain from cleaning any leaves that appear dead too early in the spring. This plant does not give up it's leaves easily and cleaning the plant too early in the spring often results in killing it. Tolerate the seemingly dead leaves and watch your Coral Bells flourish. If crispy, dead leaves are still present in late June, early July when the plant is flourishing, that would be the time to remove them, however, don't force removal. 

Ruby Bells

Most Coral Bells have simple flowers of white or light pink which do not detract from the brilliant foliage. However, there are exceptions. Both 'Ruby Bells' and 'Hercules' have rather simple green foliage but brilliant flowers of ruby red and cherry red, respectively. 

The foliage of Coral Bells comes in virtually every color from bronze, purple, chartreuse, black, pinks, corals and yellows. There is a color for every garden! Cultivars to check out are 'Berry Smoothie' (fuchsia veined foliage), 'Kassandra' (caramel colored leaves with burgundy backsides), 'Palace Purple' (burgundy colored foliage) and 'Citronelle' (chartreuse).

Regina

Another exception to the brilliant foliage-white flower rule is 'Regina'. This cultivar sports gorgeous deep burgundy leaves with silver overlay and purple undersides. The flowers are a beautiful medium pink which plays wonderfully off the deep foliage color. 


If you're looking for easy to grow plants that will add color and drama to those hard-to-plant spots in your garden, check out Coral Bells. There is sure to be a variety that piques your interest.