Coral Bells Heuchera sanguinea 'Alba'
ABOUT
The Heuchera sanguinea 'Alba', commonly known as Coral Bells, has a compact and mounding habit with striking foliage and delicate flowers. The leaves of this variety are rounded, with lobed edges and a slightly ruffled texture. They are generally a rich green in color, which can provide a lovely backdrop for its blooms. In terms of the flowers, 'Alba' refers to its white blossoms, which stand out elegantly against the greenery. These flowers form small bell-shaped clusters on long, slender stems that rise above the foliage, adding a whimsical and airy feel to the plant's overall appearance. The blooms can attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. Coral Bells are often noted for their year-round foliage interest and their ability to provide a burst of brightness in shady garden areas where the white flowers can seem to almost glow. The plant's aesthetic allows it to blend well with a wide range of other plants and makes it suitable for borders, ground covers, and container gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
White Coral Bells, Alba Coral Bells, Alba White Coral Bells.
Common names
Heuchera sanguinea 'Alba'.
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are generally not considered toxic to humans. They are often used in gardens and landscapes without any special precautions. If ingested in significant amounts, any plant material could potentially cause some stomach discomfort, but Coral Bells are not known to contain any toxic substances that would cause specific symptoms of poisoning or severe consequences to humans.
To pets
Coral Bells are not known to be toxic to pets. These plants are commonly used in gardens where pets are present without any reports of toxicity. As with any plant, consumption of large amounts of plant material might lead to digestive upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, but Coral Bells do not contain known toxic compounds that would cause specific or severe poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Heuchera sanguinea 'Alba', commonly known as Coral Bells, is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are important for pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Coral Bells are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established, which can save time and effort for gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ornamental Foliage: The plant is valued for its decorative leaves, which add visual interest to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Versatile in Landscape Design: Coral Bells can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as groundcover, providing flexibility in landscape design.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal interest with its evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage in milder climates, contributing to the winter garden aesthetic.
- Soil Adaption: Coral Bells are adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, although they prefer well-drained soil, making them suitable for many garden situations.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in partially shaded areas where many other plants struggle, making it a great choice for shady gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Heuchera sanguinea 'Alba', commonly known as Coral Bells, can be used as a natural food dye, providing a subtle color to culinary creations, given its pigmented leaves.
- The dried leaves of Coral Bells are sometimes incorporated into potpourri mixtures for their interesting shape and texture.
- Coral Bells are used in terrariums to create miniature landscapes, as they are tolerant of the humidity and can thrive in limited soil conditions.
- Photographers and artists sometimes use Coral Bells as subjects or backdrops in botanical photography and illustrations due to their delicate flowers and foliage.
- Insect enthusiasts may cultivate Coral Bells to attract and study native pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the flowers.
- The plant can be used as an indicator species in garden ecosystems, as it may demonstrate sensitivity to environmental changes, such as soil pH and moisture levels.
- Leaves of the Coral Bells can be pressed and used in crafts or as a natural material in the creation of eco-friendly jewelry.
- Some innovative chefs use the small, bell-shaped flowers of the Coral Bells as edible garnishes for desserts and cocktails.
- Coral Bells can be used for natural dying of textiles, yielding unique shades when used in traditional fabric dyeing techniques.
- The plant's interesting foliage can be used as a living mulch, providing ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coral Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coral Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: Heuchera sanguinea 'Alba', commonly known as Coral Bells, are perennials that return each year, symbolizing the ability to endure and persist through challenges.
- Attraction: With its bell-shaped flowers, Coral Bells can be seen as a symbol of attraction, drawing in both admiration from onlookers and pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
- Delicate beauty: The dainty and delicate appearance of Coral Bells' flowers may represent fine and subtle beauty that commands appreciation for small and exquisite things in life.
- Variety and versatility: Coral Bells come in a variety of colors and can adapt to various conditions, symbolizing diversity, adaptability, and versatility in the face of changing environments.
WaterThe Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea 'Alba') should be watered regularly, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Frequency of watering should be about once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Make sure the plant receives about one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. Use a watering can or hose to gently water the plant at the base, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the hotter, drier periods, increase watering slightly, but always allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent root rot.
LightCoral Bells prefer partial shade to full sun, particularly in the afternoon when the sun is less intense. The ideal spot for planting is one where they can enjoy morning sunlight, which encourages flowering and vibrant foliage, but are shaded during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorch. They can tolerate more sun in cooler climates, but extra shade should be provided in warmer regions.
TemperatureCoral Bells thrive in a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F but can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F and as high as 80°F for short periods. They are hardy to USDA zones 4 through 9, which encompasses a wide range of climates. To ensure good growth, avoid exposing the plant to temperatures outside the 30°F to 80°F range for extended times.
PruningCoral Bells should be pruned to remove any damaged or dead leaves and to encourage a tidy growth habit. Pruning is best done in early spring or late fall, before or after the growing season. Deadheading the spent flower stalks can promote additional blooms. Periodically cutting back the foliage can also rejuvenate the plant, particularly if it becomes leggy or the center starts to die out.
CleaningNot needed
SoilCoral Bells thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 to 7.0. Create a mixture using equal parts garden soil, peat moss, compost, and perlite to promote rich, moisture-retentive, yet well-draining conditions.
RepottingRepot Coral Bells every 3-4 years to refresh the soil and to prevent it from becoming root-bound. Inspect the roots annually, and repot if they appear to be outgrowing the container.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells prefer average room humidity levels but are quite versatile and can tolerate a range from 40% to 70% humidity without issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera sanguinea 'Alba', commonly known as White Coral Bells, initiates its life cycle when seeds are dispersed and germinate in moist, well-draining soil, preferably in partial shade. Upon germination, seedlings develop a basal rosette of green to reddish leaves, characteristic of the heuchera species, followed by root establishment. As the plant matures, it undergoes vegetative growth, expanding its leaf rosette and producing taller flower stalks with small, bell-shaped white flowers that attract pollinators during late spring to early summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into dry capsules, containing tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind or by adhering to animals, completing the reproductive stage. In subsequent growing seasons, the plant reaches its perennial phase, dying back to the ground in colder climates during winter and reemerging in spring. White Coral Bells may also propagate vegetatively through division, where mature clumps are split and replanted to produce new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Heuchera sanguinea 'Alba', commonly known as Coral Bells, can be effectively propagated through division, which is the most popular method among gardeners. This process typically takes place in spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To divide Coral Bells, you begin by digging up the entire plant, making sure to keep a substantial amount of root with each section. Using a sharp, sterilized knife or spade, divide the plant into smaller clumps, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. After division, the sections can be immediately replanted into well-draining soil, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart (about 30 to 45 centimeters), to give each new plant ample room to grow. Regular watering after replanting helps to establish the new divisions, encouraging them to take root in their new location.
