Coral Bells
Uses:
- Colorful Foliage For Shade Gardens
- Borders or Edging
- Container Gardens
Features:
- Native to North America
- Low Maintenance
- Year Round Interest
Sunlight:
- Typically Full Shade to Partial Sun
- 0-5 Hours of Direct Sunlight
- North & East Sides of Houses
Growing Zones:
- 4-9
- What is My Zone?
Coral Bells, or Heuchera, are a native evergreen perennial with large heart or round shaped leaves and tiny clusters of flowers. With colorful foliage and blooms that attract hummingbirds, this plant is great for shady areas and easy to care for!
Why Buy Coral Bells Online
Heuchera, commonly called Coral Bells or Alumroot, is a genus of evergreen perennial plants. Native to North America, foliage colors can range from purple, gold, or grey, with a variety of bloom colors. Coral bells are easy to grow, offer year round interest, are heat/drought tolerant, and are deer and disease resistant. Coral bells are great as an attractive groundcover, can add texture to container arrangements, and make a lovely cut flower.
Difference Between Heuchera & Heucherella
Heuchera is native to the United States, a plant known for the impressive, bold colors of both the foliage and flowers. Heucherella is a hybrid cross between the Heuchera and Tiarella plant, combining the colors of the Heuchera with the trailing growth patterns of the Tiarella.
The Best Way to Use Coral Bells
Coral Bells is a shade loving plant that can thrive in woodlands, borders, containers, and rock gardens. Growing in zones 4-8, this plant matures to 8-18 inches tall and 12-24 inches high. It’s rounded mound with emerging tall stems offer small bell shaped flowers. Planted in rich, moist, well drained soil and partial shade, this easy to care for plant offers bold foliage colors to landscape and garden areas. Small clusters of flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Year round interest
Compliments nearby flowers
Available in a variety of foliage colors
Red, white, coral, pink, or orange flowers
Typically 8-18 inches tall with a 12-24 inch spread
Growing zones 4 to 9
About Coral Bells
Genus
Species
Family
Heuchera
Heuchera americana, Heuchera sanguinea, Heuchera villosa, Heuchera micrantha, Heuchera maxima, Heuchera cylindrica, Heuchera parviflora, Heuchera pubescens, Heuchera richardsonii, Heuchera chlorantha, Heuchera bracteata, Heuchera abramsii, Heuchera rubescens
Saxifragaceae
Common Names:
Alumroot
Native To:
North America
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flower Color:
White, Pink, Red, Coral, Green
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring to Summer
Growth Habit:
Mounded, Clumping
Attracts:
Hummingbirds, Bees, Butterflies
Tolerates:
Shade, Partial Shade, Drought
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits
How To Use Coral Bells In The Garden
Coral Bells, also known as Heuchera, are loved for their colorful leaves, which comes in an array of colors, including deep purples, bright greens, and even silvers. Their mounding habit and wavy leaves make them ideal for adding texture and depth to garden beds. In addition to their striking leaves, they produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems, which attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, enhancing biodiversity in your outdoor space.
These plants are perfect for edging pathways, creating borders, or softening the edges of hardscapes. They perform well in shaded areas, making them an excellent choice for underplanting beneath trees or taller shrubs. Coral Bells are also highly effective in container gardening, where their foliage can serve as a focal point or complement other plants. With a thoughtful arrangement, they provide year-round interest and adaptability to various garden styles.
Coral bells Care
Coral bells perform best when planted in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. They prefer partial to full shade, though some newer varieties can handle more sunlight. Watering should be consistent but moderate; the soil should remain moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering or overly dry soil can stress the plants. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can encourage healthy foliage and growth, but avoid excessive fertilization, which may lead to weak stems or poor performance.
Pruning spent flower stalks encourages more compact growth and helps the plant conserve energy. For winter care, a layer of mulch can protect the shallow roots from freezing temperatures and frost heave. Coral bells also adapt well to containers, provided the pot has good drainage and is filled with a high-quality potting mix. Regular repotting or refreshing the soil every couple of years is essential for maintaining healthy growth in confined spaces.
Learn More About Coral bells
Coral Bells Companion Plants
Often paired with other shade loving plants, Coral Bells are great for mixed borders or woodland gardens. Some great combinations include bleeding heart, iris, astilbe, begonia and caladium. Here are some of our favorites:
