Coral Bells Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' (PBR)
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' is a captivating plant that changes its appearance with the seasons, mirroring the dynamic hues of autumn woodland foliage. In spring, its rounded leaves emerge in a reddish-pink tone, casting a fresh and vibrant look. As the seasons progress into summer, the leaves transform into taupe with a hint of lighter veining, providing a unique texture and visual interest to its presentation. Come fall, the foliage turns into a deep ruby red, echoing the classic colors of autumn. This striking seasonal progression of leaf color creates a dynamic display in gardens and landscapes. The leaves of Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' are notably scalloped and lobed, contributing to the plant's overall lushness and full appearance. Throughout the growing season, this plant also produces delicate flower stalks that rise above the foliage. The small flowers that adorn these stalks are typically of a subtle white or pinkish hue, adding an understated charm to the foliage spectacular. As a garden specimen, Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' brings a tapestry of color to any setting. It is highly sought after for its ornamental qualities and its ability to provide year-round interest. The versatility and ever-changing beauty of the foliage make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a long-lasting and dramatic impact to their plant collections.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells, the common name for Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves', are not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with the plant, as it is generally considered safe and non-toxic. Thus, ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to any harmful consequences for humans.
To pets
Coral Bells, which is the common name for Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves', are also not known to be toxic to pets. The ingestion of this plant should not cause any symptoms of poisoning in animals such as dogs and cats. Therefore, the consumption of parts of Coral Bells is not expected to produce any toxic effects or significant health issues in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 10-12 inches [30-61 cm]
Spread
1 foot 10-12 inches [30-61 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Seasonal Interest: Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' offers year-round visual interest with leaves that change color from red in spring, to taupe in summer, and ruby red in fall.
- Easy Maintenance: This variety is known to be low maintenance, requiring minimal effort to care for once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good tolerance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardens.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of landscaping scenarios, including borders, ground cover, or container gardens.
- Soil Adaptability: Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant tolerates shade well, making it an ideal choice for garden areas with less direct sunlight.
- Long Blooming: It has a relatively long blooming period, providing flowers from late spring to summer.
- Foliage Contrast: The distinct foliage offers excellent contrast to green plants in a garden, providing a splash of color and texture.
- Compact Growth: Typically remaining compact, it is suitable for small gardens or spaces where plants need to be contained.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edging Paths: Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' can be used as colorful edging along walkways and garden paths, providing a change of texture and color throughout the seasons.
- Container Gardening: Due to their compact nature, Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' can be utilized in container gardens to add a splash of color on patios or balconies.
- Fairy Gardens: Its small stature and vibrant leaves make Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' an excellent addition to miniature fairy gardens.
- Photography Backdrops: The plant's unique foliage can serve as a beautiful, textural backdrop in close-up photography, providing contrast and interest.
- Crafts and Floristry: The dried leaves of Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' can be used in crafting projects or as part of dried floral arrangements.
- Livestock Feed: Although not a common use, the leaves can occasionally be used as a food supplement for some livestock, like rabbits or tortoises, in moderation.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' can help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion, while also adding aesthetic value.
- Foliage Displays: Its leaves can be used in fall foliage displays alongside pumpkins and gourds to enhance autumn-themed decorations.
- Accent Planting: The vibrant leaves can be strategically placed to draw the eye and provide focal points in the garden, particularly in shade gardens.
- Butterfly Gardens: While not a primary attractant, Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' can be included in butterfly gardens to add diversity and some potential nectar sources for pollinators.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Coral Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Coral Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability - The ability of Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' to adapt to different light conditions symbolizes flexibility and the capacity to thrive despite changes in the environment.
- Timeless Beauty - With its year-round attractive foliage transitioning through colors with the seasons, the 'Autumn Leaves' variety represents enduring and evolving beauty.
- Perseverance - As a hardy perennial, this plant's ability to withstand cold and come back year after year symbolizes resilience and perseverance through adversity.
- Balance - The balanced growth and the harmony of its colorful leaves can symbolize the importance of maintaining balance in life.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist but not soggy soil condition. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. Generally, this means watering approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry spells, Coral Bells may need more frequent watering, such as every few days. As a guideline, aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant per watering, adjusting as necessary for your local weather and soil drainage.
LightCoral Bells prefer partially shaded conditions, thriving best in dappled sunlight or light shade. They can also adapt to full morning sun with afternoon shade, which is especially important in hotter climates. Avoid placing them in full afternoon sun, as the intense light can scorch their leaves and lead to fading of the vibrant leaf colors.
TemperatureCoral Bells are hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range, with an ideal growing temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive in areas with maximum temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Providing mulch around the base can help regulate soil temperature and protect the roots in extreme conditions.
PruningPrune Coral Bells to remove any damaged or dead leaves and to promote a tidy growth habit. This is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Pruning can also include cutting back any spent flower stalks to encourage additional blooms. Coral Bells do not require heavy pruning; just light maintenance is sufficient to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells thrive best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part compost is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingCoral Bells should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current container. Refresh the soil mix during repotting to replenish nutrients.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells prefer average to slightly above average humidity levels, around 50% is ideal, but they are quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil slightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleHeuchera 'Autumn Leaves' follows a perennial life cycle. It begins as a seed, which upon germinating in suitable conditions, sprouts and forms a small rosette of leaves at ground level. The plant establishes a root system and grows vegetatively, with leaves changing color with the seasons from red in spring, to taupe in summer, and ruby red in fall. Throughout the growing season, it develops flower stalks that rise above the foliage, blooming with small, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced, which can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. As a hardy perennial, once mature, Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves' can survive through multiple seasons, dying back in winter and re-emerging from its crown each spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring-summer
Heuchera 'Autumn Leaves', commonly referred to as Coral Bells, is often propagated via division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The ideal time for dividing Heuchera plants is in the spring or early fall, when the weather is cool and the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the mature plant and gently separate it into smaller clumps, each with a fair amount of roots and at least one growing point. These divisions should then be replanted immediately at the same soil depth as the original plant, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow for mature spread. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. It's important not to divide plants too often, as this can stress the plant; every 3 to 4 years should suffice for maintaining plant vigor and aesthetics.
