Coral bells are a wonderful addition to a partly shady landscape planting. They come in an array of foliar hues that will complement most any landscape color scheme. Coral bells (genus Heuchera) are sometimes known as alumroots, and there are many species that are native to North America. Two of the earlier cultivars introduced were ‘Dale’s Strain’, which has a beautiful silver-blue marbled foliage with contrasting pale purplish venation, and ‘Palace Purple’ with bronze to reddish purple foliage.
‘Dale’s Strain’ coral bells was an earlier release of the native perennial Heuchera americana, which grows well in shade to partial shade.
Joey Williamson, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
‘Palace Purple’ coral bells (Heuchera micrantha) has deep purple foliage and creamy white flowers on tall flower spikes.
Joey Williamson, 2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
In recent years, breeders have released numerous cultivars with magnificent colors of chartreuse, peach, deep purples, silver, caramels, reds, and many with contrasting venation colors. Flower clusters are held on spikes above the foliage, and flower colors on these newer cultivars may be pink, white, or red.
Some hybrid cultivars seen for sale on-line may not be as heat tolerant as those that are typically found in local Southern nurseries. The more heat tolerant cultivars often have Heuchera villosa in their parentage, which confers heat tolerance. Two excellent cultivars known for their heat tolerance are ‘Caramel’ and ‘Citronelle’.
Many new cultivars of coral bells are now available, which are hybrids of numerous Heuchera species.
Joey Williamson, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
‘Caramel’ is a very heat tolerant coral bells with peachy apricot leaves that grows well in Southern gardens.
Joey Williamson, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
‘Citronelle’ is a lime green, heat tolerant coral bells that brightens up a shady landscape bed.
Joey Williamson, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Amend landscape soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage, as coral bells do not tolerate heavy, poorly drained soils. In the South, these perennials grow best in partial shade, preferring morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Provide weekly irrigation if the weather is hot and dry, and mulch plants with pine straw, leaves, or shredded bark to conserve soil moisture. In addition, coral bells will grow very well in large containers. They combine well with many native wildflowers and ferns, and with such a selection of foliar colors, it is easy to find choices whose colors blend with most any other perennial flowers.
