Coral Bells Heuchera 'Beauty Colour'
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Beauty Colour', commonly known as Coral Bells, is a visually striking perennial known for its foliage and flowers. The plant boasts a dense cluster of rounded leaves that often display a dynamic range of colors, from deep purples and reds to greens, sometimes with intricate patterns or veining. The leaves may have a smooth, glossy texture or a more subtle, matte finish, contributing to the plant's visual interest throughout the seasons. Coral Bells are also admired for their delicate bell-shaped flowers, which appear on slender stems towering above the foliage. These flowers are typically small and contribute to the enchanting look of the plant, often attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators to the garden. The flowers can range in color, usually complementing the leaves' coloring palette and further enhancing the plant's overall aesthetic appeal. The plant's foliage and blossoms combine to create a lush, textured appearance, making it a favorite among gardeners for use in both borders and as a striking standalone specimen. Coral Bells add visual interest to shaded areas, where their vivid colors can be particularly striking against the backdrop of other shade-loving plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Common Names: Coral Bells, Alumroot. Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot. Family: Saxifragaceae.
Common names
Heuchera 'Beauty Colour'
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of toxicity or poisoning from ingestion of parts of the Heuchera 'Beauty Colour' plant. Consequently, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant.
To pets
Coral Bells are similarly not considered toxic to pets. They do not typically pose a risk if ingested by animals such as dogs or cats. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from pets consuming parts of the Heuchera 'Beauty Colour' plant, hence no specific consequences are expected from such ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Heuchera 'Beauty Colour' features eye-catching leaves that provide year-round interest in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and removal of dead leaves.
- Versatile in Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, groundcovers, and container gardening.
- Shade Tolerant: Thrives in a range of light conditions, including partially shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers can attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its foliage is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.
- Long Bloom Season: Provides flowers over an extended period, typically from late spring to mid-summer.
- Range of Colors: Offers a spectrum of foliage colors, which can include greens, silvers, purples, and reds, adding to the plant’s decorative appeal.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decoration in terrariums: Due to their compact size and ornamental foliage, Heuchera 'Beauty Colour' can be used to create visually appealing miniature landscapes inside terrariums.
- Photography prop: The attractive foliage of Heuchera can be used as a background or an accent in plant and garden photography to add texture and color contrast.
- Educational tool: The distinct characteristics of Heuchera 'Beauty Colour' make it a useful specimen for educational purposes in botany and horticulture classes.
- Culinary garnish: Although not widely recognized for culinary use, the colorful leaves of Heuchera 'Beauty Colour' can be used as a non-toxic garnish to add aesthetic value to dishes.
- Jewelry inspiration: The unique foliage patterns and colors of Heuchera can inspire designs for botanical-themed jewelry pieces.
- Crafting: Dried leaves of Heuchera 'Beauty Colour' can be used in crafting for scrapbooking, card making, or as inclusions in resin art pieces.
- Fairy gardens: This plant can add variety and color to fairy gardens, offering a whimsical touch with its delicate leaves and subtle blooms.
- Seasonal table settings: The leaves can be incorporated into fall-themed table arrangements or as part of centerpieces for their vibrant autumnal colors.
- Insect habitat: Heuchera 'Beauty Colour' provides shelter and breeding grounds for beneficial insects within a garden ecosystem.
- Color theming in landscape design: The plant's foliage can be used to create a consistent color theme in landscape arrangements or garden borders.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCoral Bells are not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCoral Bells are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Lasting Beauty: Heuchera is often associated with the idea of lasting beauty owing to its aesthetically pleasing foliage that remains attractive across seasons.
- Versatility: The 'Beauty Colour' variety, with its ability to thrive in different conditions, symbolizes adaptability and versatility in different environments and situations.
- Health: Many Heuchera varieties, including 'Beauty Colour', are used in herbal medicines, making them symbolic of health and healing.
WaterCoral Bells, commonly known as Heuchera 'Beauty Colour', should be watered deeply once a week to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. They prefer about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. During hot, dry spells, they may need additional water. Adjust watering if the soil is either drying out too quickly or remaining wet for too long after watering. It's best to water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases.
LightCoral Bells thrive best in dappled sun to part shade. They can tolerate morning sun but should be shielded from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. A spot that receives filtered sunlight or shade during the peak heat of the day is ideal for promoting vibrant foliage colors and healthy growth.
TemperatureCoral Bells prefer moderate temperatures and can survive in temperatures ranging from about 25 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, they enjoy daytime temperatures around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and cooler nights. However, they are hardy and can tolerate winter cold down to about -25 degrees Fahrenheit, provided they are properly mulched.
PruningCoral Bells require little pruning, but the removal of faded flower stalks and damaged leaves can encourage healthier growth and improve the plant's appearance. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This is also the best time to divide and replant overcrowded clumps if necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells (Heuchera 'Beauty Colour') thrive best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix containing one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand helps ensure proper drainage and texture. The ideal soil pH for Coral Bells should range from slightly acidic to neutral, approximately between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingCoral Bells, or Heuchera 'Beauty Colour', generally need repotting every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells (Heuchera 'Beauty Colour') are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefer moderate humidity. They can thrive in average household humidity conditions without the need for special attention to moisture in the air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Coral Bells in part shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleCoral Bells, scientifically known as Heuchera 'Beauty Colour', begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil with partial to full shade. After sprouting, the seedling develops into a rosette of leaves close to the ground and continues to grow slowly, producing more leaves. In its mature stage, Coral Bells produce tall flowering stems in late spring to early summer, bearing small, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into dry capsules containing tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind or wildlife. During late summer to autumn, the plant may go dormant, conserving energy and often losing some leaves in response to colder temperatures. Over the years, Coral Bells can be divided and transplanted to propagate new plants, continuing their cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Heuchera 'Beauty Colour', commonly known as Coral Bells, is typically propagated by division. Spring or early fall is the best time for this process, coinciding with either the onset of new growth or after the summer heat has subsided, respectively. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Coral Bells and gently separate it into smaller sections, each with a portion of root and at least one growing point or shoot. Ensure that each division has enough root system to support new growth. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters), and water them in well to help establish the new plants. Division not only helps to propagate the plants but also invigorates them, encouraging more vigorous growth and better flowering in the following season.
