A genus native to America, the Heucheras are a quickly growing family of beautiful perennials grown predominantly for their stunning foliage. New cultivars and hybrids are being introduced everyday and they are fast become one of the most popular plants for any garden area.*

Plant Highlight; Heuchera, Coral Bells, Alumroot

Botanical and Common Name: Heuchera is the botanical name and Heuchera is also sometimes called alumroot. Most frequently used, however, is the common name coral bells, derived from the nodding, bell-shaped flowers.

Plant Category: Heuchera is an evergreen perennial.

Hardiness Zones: Coral Bells are hardy zones 3 (or 4)-9. A few cultivars can handle the heat and humidity of zone 11 so see varieties and cultivars information below.

Bloom Time & Color: Coral Bells produce the graceful flowers that give the plant its name in late spring. The clusters of bell-shaped blooms will last for several weeks. Coral bell flowers are lifted above the foliage clumps on flower spikes that grow about 2' tall.

Foliage: The foliage is one of the best features of coral bells because the leaves are large heart-shaped or rounded leaves with striking colors and variegation patterns. Some leaves are also ruffled giving the foliage a rougher look that adds interest and contrast to other garden plants.

Growth Habit: The foliage grows in 10-12" clumps and Heuchera has a rounded growth habit until the longer flower stalks appear in late spring and summer.

Dimensions: Most coral bells grow between 1-3' tall and1-2' wide. As with many plants, heucheras have several smaller, more compact cultivars so see specific details below for more information.

Preferred Conditions: Coral bells prefer part to half shade but in colder climates would like full sun with humis rich, evenly moist and well-drained soil. Some Heuchera cultivars will also tolerate a deeper shade.

Maintenance: Provide coral bells with winter mulch and deadhead to encourage repeat blooming through the summer. Pruning back the coral bells foliage in early spring to make room for the new growth can help it stay in better form but is not absolutely necessary. Divide every 3-4 years as needed.

Pests or Diseases: Heuchera plants don't have many pest or disease problems. The biggest concern with coral bells is the possibility of frost heaving where climates fluctuate, or leaf scorching, esp

ecially with colored foliage varieties, if planted in hot, full sun.

Propagation Methods: Heuchera plants are not as easy to germinate from seed as some other perennials and won't self-sow readily in the garden. The best methods of propagation are division.

Companion Plants: Plant coral bells with other shade loving flowering plants such as astilbes, phlox, iris, or bleeding-heart. Consider using Heuchera plants with other foliage superstars like ferns, hostas, or caladiums.

Seasons of Interest: Heuchera plants have high interest in the garden all year; the foliage is evergreen for most gardeners and highly attractive. Heucheras also have interesting flowers that appear in late spring.

Uses in the Garden: Heuchera plants are well suited for areas of the garden other plants may have difficulty growing in; eastern and western exposures for example because of their ability to take some sun but be in shade for hours of the day as well. They also do well planted under shrubs and small trees because the coral bells foliage enhances other plants around them. With so many new Heuchera cultivars exhibiting dark, nearly black foliage, many gothic type gardens use these in large numbers.

Other Uses: Heuchera plants are attractive to hummingbirds and are also deer resistant. Coral bell flowers also work nicely in cut flower arrangements and last over a week in a vase of water

*Information provided by Sooner Plant Farm (soonerplantfarm.com).  Pictures by Cesar Lopez.