NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — If looking for a plant for the garden that will come back year after year, is easy to care for and suitable for a variety of growing conditions, coral bells (Heuchera) just might be the plant. It’s also known by the common names alum root and rock geranium.
Photo by Deborah J. Benoit
Heuchera are semi-evergreen perennials that are native to eastern and central North America. They can be grown in United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, with some varieties hardy to Zone 3.
They grow in a well-behaved, mounding shape. Depending on the variety, they can grow from 12 to 36 inches in diameter and 6 to 24 inches high.
Heuchera leaves are by far this plant’s star feature. Foliage comes in a variety of shapes and textures. It can be solid colored or variegated, smooth, bumpy or ruffled. Colors range from shades of red, pink and burgundy, to neon green, caramel, silver and nearly black.
Tiny, bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, red and pink appear during the summer months on thin stems that grow above the foliage. They attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
For the best foliage color and flowers, plant heuchera in part sun/part shade (four to six hours of direct sun a day). Most varieties do fine in conditions from full shade (less than four hours of direct sun) to full sun (at least six to eight hours direct sun).
If you notice foliage showing signs of sun scald, consider moving the plant to a more compatible location in the garden and remove any damaged leaves.
Heuchera can be used as a ground cover or to add interest to garden beds, borders and containers all season long. Those grown in containers may need added insulation to protect against winter temperatures. As an alternative, they can be planted in-ground and repotted the following spring.
They can add a burst of color to a shade garden and make good companions for hostas (Hosta), bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) or ferns-like ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). They’re equally at home in a part-sun or full sun garden, along with lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) and day lilies (Hemerocallis). Check the plant’s tag for a particular variety’s needs.
Photo by Deborah J. Benoit
Plant one variety of heuchera in a group for a bold statement of color, or mix varieties to highlight the contrast in foliage color and leaf texture.
Heuchera can be planted in spring or fall. They prefer rich, well-drained soil but will adapt well to all but heavy clay soil. Amend heavy clay soil to improve drainage.
Heuchera should be planted with the crown at the same soil level as in the pot. Water well when planting, and water as needed until established, particularly if conditions are hot or dry.
Because of the plant’s shallow root system, the crown may lift from the ground during freeze-and-thaw cycles in winter. Applying a generous layer of mulch around plants in the fall can help reduce the chance of this happening. If plants have heaved out of the ground over the winter, replant in spring as soon as the soil is workable.
Divide mature plants every three to four years by separating clumps in springtime, being sure each piece has a good amount of roots and foliage.
Heuchera are considered deer and rabbit resistant, but keep in mind that during lean times, these garden visitors will feed on almost any plant.
Deborah J. Benoit, UVM Extension Master Gardener from North Adams, Mass., is part of the Bennington County Chapter.
Deborah J. Benoit
Deborah Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener who volunteers as a garden columnist and for Bennington County Extension Master Gardener Chapter activities.
