Shady spots need not be ho-hum when there’s heuchera to brighten the space. With tall spikes of tiny coral bells and distinctive mounded foliage, heuchera illuminates low-light areas with splashes of vibrant color and unique texture.
With an average height of 6 inches to 1½ feet and spread of 1- to 2½ feet, heuchera produce flower spikes that are 1- to 3-feet tall. They prefer partial to full shade and perform best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
Georgia Peach Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Georgia Peach’)
Also called ‘coral bells,’ heuchera is a group, or genus, of perennial plants native to North America. The genus consists of more than 50 closely-related plant species, including Heuchera ‘Citronelle’ and Heuchera ‘Georgia Peach.’
Eye-Catching Displays
While heuchera produces coral bell flower spikes from late spring to early summer, species plants are prized for their ornamental foliage. Displays are especially eye-catching when heuchera is planted in complementary groupings of two or more species. For example, Heuchera ‘Citronelle’ pairs nicely with Heuchera ‘Carnival Watermelon.’
Citronelle Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Citronelle’)
In sunny conditions, Heuchera ‘Citronelle’ has bright yellow, maple-like leaves. When planted in shade, foliage is more chartreuse. True to its name, Heuchera ‘Carnival Watermelon’ is peach, pink and green with silver markings.
Carnival Watermelon Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Carnival Watermelon’)
Easy-Care Selections
Once established, heuchera requires minimal maintenance. This makes the plant a perfect choice for landscape professionals wanting beauty in their designs all season without too much effort for the homeowner.
Although heuchera prefer shade, and a location safe from scorching afternoon sun, the plant can tolerate daily exposure of four to six hours of direct sunlight. Too much sun, however, can scorch leaves. So, if you must plant in sun, select an area that provides afternoon shade.
In addition to a variety of foliage colors, patterns and textures, heuchera is prized for its versatility. This includes the plant’s ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions. While that’s the case, ideally select a planting site that is well drained, with slightly acidic soil. This will ensure optimal performance. Add organic matter to help improve drainage and nutrient content.
Carnival Cocomint Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Carnival Cocomint’)
Consistent moisture will help heuchera thrive, especially to help it establish a viable root system during the first growing season. Once established, plants can tolerate some drought but will still do best with regular watering. Soggy soil can be detrimental to the plant’s health so avoid over-watering.
Heuchera – like ‘Carnival Cocomint’ with its jewel-toned foliage and distinctive veining – isn’t a heavy feeder. But plants will benefit from occasional fertilizing. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring, or a liquid fertilizer every few weeks if you’re looking for quicker results.
Purple Palace Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’)
Pruning and Dividing
Heuchera ‘Purple Palace’ ranges from olive green to deep purple above the leaf and wine-red underneath. Removing dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season will keep heuchera looking good from spring through fall. Trim back old foliage in late winter or early spring to make way for new growth. Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy.
Heuchera can be divided every few years. This keeps the plant a manageable size and provides more plants to use around the landscape, adding extra color and ensuring that the garden stays full of fresh, vibrant growth.
Caramel Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Caramel’)
Creative Plantings
With fun selections like Heuchera ‘Caramel’ and Heuchera ‘Obsidian’, Loma Vista Nursery-grown plants are available at select garden centers throughout the Midwest. Plant heuchera in mass for striking, colorful ground cover. A combination of contrasting colors – like the deep purples of ‘Obsidian’ and bright greens of ‘Citronelle’ – create a dynamic, low-maintenance carpet of foliage.
Heuchera adds beauty and dimension to a variety of landscape settings. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens and for layering with taller plants. Generally considered drought and salt tolerant, heuchera is deer and rabbit resistant, and resistant to most pests and diseases. While flowers are small and not the main attraction, species plants attract bees and butterflies.
Obsidian Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Obsidian’)
Heuchera is stunning in pots, on its own as a specimen plant and in a mixed container. Pairing with other shade-loving plants like hostas creates a lush and vibrant container display. Place the container as living sculpture in a shade-loving spot near a front entrance or in a secret garden bounded by arborvitae.
Plant heuchera in rock gardens to soften edges and blur hardscapes like flagstone. Pair it with astilbe and other bright-flowering plants to create a visual contrast between foliage and flowers. Species plants are perfect low-growing fillers among larger perennial plants, under flowering shrubs and in shady borders.
Learn More About Loma Vista Nursery’s Landscape Plants
Loma Vista Nursery grows a variety of trees, shrubs and perennial plants for Midwest independent garden centers, landscape contractors and wholesale distributors. Our staff members – all experts in the field – love helping people learn about plants and the healthy varieties we grow.
Spring ordering is underway for the trade industry! Review Loma Vista Nursery’s plant catalog for information and visit our website to learn about our values and best practices as a Midwest plant grower. For help with orders and plant-related questions, send an email to sales@lomavistanursery.com or call (785) 229-7200.
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