Heuchera (Coral Bells)

    Heuchera - please refer to plant caretag for specific variety information

Colours - Coral Bells can now be found in shades of purple, rose, lime green, gold and variegations in between.

Flowering period - Late spring to early summer.

Features - Heuchera form round mounds with a woody root stock or crown at their base. Leaves vary greatly with variety. Most are somewhat rounded, lobed and hairy. Small bell-shaped flowers are borne on tall stalks. The flowers can be petalless.

Spacing - Plant 12" to 18" (30 - 46 cm) apart

Height - 12" to 18" (30 - 46 cm) in height

Soil and water - Heuchera like a neutral to slightly acid soil pH, somewhere between 6.0 and 7.0. Good drainage is a must, especially in shaded areas.

Light requirements - Plant in part sun.

Best use - Use in garden beds and pots. The stems have an airy appearance and make nice cut flowers.

Growing tips - Heuchera are grown for their foliage, but the flowers are very popular with hummingbirds, so let them stay. Perennial, hardy in zones 4 to 8 depending on variety. Cut back the entire flower stalk after flowering, to put the plants energy into growing more leaves. Divide Heuchera plants every 3-4 years, to keep them from dying out in the center.

Planning your garden

For beginners it is important to draw a garden layout plan

• Choose plants suitable for the site (sun vs. shade, soil, etc)

• Arrange plants according to their height

• Arrange according to plant form and texture

• Arrange according to flowering periods for constant blooming

• Arrange in groupings by type and color considerations