There are so many Heuchera to choose from, we have split them up. Here you will find Heuchera with names that start from “H” to “Z”.
Heuchera, also commonly known as Coral Bells, is a very versatile, carefree plant that is noted for it’s array of attractive foliage. Heuchera comes in a plethora of colours, shapes and textures and displays multi-seasonal interest. Foliage comes in nearly every color imaginable, from silver to nearly black. Leaves are patterned, ruffled, wavy or smooth. Tiny bell shaped flowers come in hues of coral, red, white or pink and offer varying bloom times. Plus, most love the shade which is not always easy to find in a perennial.
Shade-loving plants are convenient because they can be planted under trees or in places where other plants cannot survive. Heuchera can do well in partial sun as well, though if they get too much sun, their colour may fade. As a general rule, the darker the leaf, the more sun tolerant the plant tends to be. Coral Bells with very light leaves do not fair well in the sun but you could plant dark leaved varieties such as Black Pearl in direct sunlight. In fact, the colour is enhanced to a rich black in full sun as opposed to a dark brown colour in half shade. Another variety that does well in the sun is Obsidian. It also has large, textured, dark maroon-colored leaves. When planted in full sun it is almost black. Adds quite a bit of interest in the garden.
Coral Bells whose leaves are red or crimson are more sensitive to the sun. This type of Coral Bell is best planted where it will receive morning sun but shade in the afternoon when the sun can be quite damaging. Heucheras adore a garden on the east side of the house.
The light green and yellow heucheras are the ones that thrive in shade. They can tolerate only a couple of hours of sunlight, and many do very well in full shade. A great way to brighten up a shade garden. These Heuchera enjoy being planted under a large tree or on the north side of the house.
Planting & Care of Easy to Grow Coral Bells
~ Pick your location and plant the Coral Bell that will be best suited for the light conditions in that area – from full sun to shade. A Glen Echo associate will be happy to assist you with this.
~ Plant coral bells in spring or fall. Space plants 1-2 feet apart.
~ Coral Bells like a well drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0
~ It is best to fertilize Coral Bells in early Spring – March or April – use a slow release fertilizer or a thin layer of compost
~ Also in spring remove any dead leaves, trim back dilapidated foliage and general cleanup ~ Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Heuchera is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Provide extra water during hot spells.
~ If you experience any fungal disease, they can be sprayed with a fungicide
~ Remove dead leaves in spring
~ Use horticultural oil to protect the plant from pests
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.
Glen Echo’s inventory changes quickly. Please check to see what Heuchera varieties are currently available.
