Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heuchera spp. · Flower

Quick answer: Water: Weekly in hot, dry weather. Light: Partial shade; morning sun and afternoon shade in hot areas. Soil: Moist but well-drained, with compost; no heavy clay. Pets: The ASPCA lists coral bells (Heuchera) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. If in doubt, ask your vet.

A perennial grown mostly for its foliage, which comes in green, purple, amber and silver tones. Thin flower stems rise above the leaves in late spring. It brightens shady borders and keeps its leaves well into winter.

Care at a glance

Light

Partial shade; morning sun and afternoon shade in hot areas

Water

Weekly in hot, dry weather

Soil

Moist but well-drained, with compost; no heavy clay

Temperature

Cold-hardy perennial; heat tolerance varies by cultivar

Spacing

12–18 in (estimated, clumps reach 12–14 in wide)

Container

Pot at least 10 in wide with drainage (estimated)

Bloom

Late spring to early summer; flower stems 12–18 in

Lifespan

Perennial; divide every 3–4 years (estimated)

When?

Plant in spring or early fall, when the weather is mild. Avoid planting in midsummer heat. In cold regions, fall plantings need mulch after the first hard frost so the shallow roots are not pushed out of the ground.

Step by step

1. Pick a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, or light shade all day.
2. Work compost into the bed so it drains well.
3. Plant with the crown at soil level, not buried.
4. Water regularly during the first season; the roots are shallow.
5. Mulch around the plant to keep the soil cool and moist.
6. Cut flower stems after blooming; cutting while in bloom can extend flowering.
7. When the crown becomes woody and rises, lift and divide in spring (estimated).

Common problems

Pets

The ASPCA lists coral bells (Heuchera) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Related tools

Similar plants