HEUCHERA

(CORAL BELLS)

Heucheras are greatly appreciated as a foliage plant but they also bloom on long stems held above the foliage for 4-6 weeks every year. Heuchera sanguinea, one of the many species, is called Coral Bells because of its cerise flowers. It can be found in the warm, dry canyons of Mexico, New Mexico and Arizona. In the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States the plants grow best in shade.

Heuchera americana ‘Dales Strain’, the one we do from seed.

There are 37 species of Heuchera in the family saxifragaceae. Some of those include, Heuchera americana, Heuchera villosa, Heuchera micrantha, all native and can cross together as well.

One of our favorite cultivars is Heuchera villosa ‘Autumn Bride’. It is a native Heuchera with large green leaves and tall white flowers. It blends beautifully with other plants.
The Heuchera americana ‘Dales Strain’ is one of several we grow from seed. It makes a very nice ground cover underneath other shrubs.

Try planting ground covers instead of mulching. They are just as effective, if not more so, at keeping out the weeds!

There has been an explosion of cultivars of Heucheras in the last decade. Hybridization is common, due to the fact that the species often intergrade with one another. Heuchera crossed with tiarella produced Heucherellas. Overall, there are a multitude of hybrids between the various Heuchera species.

Coral Bells are in the genus Heucheras and contain over 35 native species. They have colorful foliage ranging from yellow to green to multiple shades of red and purple depending on cultivar. They are a wonderful foliage perennial and since their blooms last only 3 to 4 weeks, it is important to enjoy the gorgeous foliage that sticks around for the remaining 6 to 8 months. Some Heucheras are even semi evergreen. The leaves arise from a central rosette and their graceful bell shaped blooms rise high above the foliage.

The foliage of most cultivars reaches 8 to 12 inches in height with a spread of 1 to 2 feet wide. When blooming, the flower stalks reach 1 to 3 feet tall. The Villosa hybrids are larger than the Americana hybrids.

Plant in partial shade or filtered sun. The yellow and red ones can take more sun. Heucheras grow naturally in wooded areas as well as arid rocky regions in the midwest, making it a suitable addition to plant along woodland edges, rock gardens or in natural gardens.
Try planting alongside the foliage of ferns, caladiums and hostas. They’re also beautiful with shade loving perennials such as bleeding heart, iris and astilbe.
Coral Bells grow well in containers. Keep plant moist in well-draining soil—preferably enriched with compost or other type of organic matter.
Heucheras are DEER REISISTANT!
Hummingbirds often visit heuchera flowers.