Coral Bells Heuchera 'Binoche' (PBR)
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Binoche', commonly known as Coral Bells, is a striking perennial plant that is sought after for its richly colored foliage and delicate blooms. The plant's leaves are a distinctive feature, displaying a deep chocolate to purple hue with a lush, velvety texture. These leaves often have ruffled edges and are admired for their nearly black appearance, creating a stunning contrast against greener plants in a garden setting. The Coral Bells produce slender stems which rise above the foliage, and during the blooming season, these stems carry small bell-shaped flowers. The blossoms are often a creamy white or pale pink color that dangles gracefully, adding an airy feel as they attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. The vibrancy of 'Binoche's leaves paired with the delicate flowers creates a dramatic visual impact in garden compositions. As a plant with year-round appeal, Heuchera 'Binoche' adds texture and color even when it's not in bloom. Its mounded habit and colorful personality make it a popular choice for borders, rockeries, and container plantings, where its dramatic foliage can be fully appreciated and act as an eye-catching display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot.
Common names
Heuchera 'Binoche' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are not known to be toxic to humans. These ornamental plants are generally considered safe, and there are no well-documented cases of Coral Bells causing serious harm when ingested. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies and reactions can occur, so it's always best to avoid eating plants not intended for consumption.
To pets
Coral Bells are also not known to be toxic to pets. They are typically deemed non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. While ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause serious problems, it's still advisable to discourage pets from eating large amounts of any non-food plants due to the potential for mild gastrointestinal upset or atypical allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Year-Round Interest: Heuchera 'Binoche' offers visual interest throughout all seasons with its evergreen foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Shade Tolerant: It can grow in partial to full shade, which is perfect for underplanting beneath trees or in shaded borders.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of the Coral Bells can attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.
- Versatile Usage: Coral Bells can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including rock gardens, borders, and containers.
- Foliage Interest: Its unique dark purple to almost black foliage adds dramatic contrast to the garden palette.
- Erosion Control: Heuchera 'Binoche' is effective at preventing soil erosion when used on slopes or in mass plantings.
- Non-Invasive: It is not known to be invasive, making it an environmentally friendly choice for the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photo Prop: Due to its unique foliage color, Coral Bells can be used to create a striking backdrop or enhance the aesthetic of macro photography.
- Fairy Gardens: Coral Bells' delicate foliage can be used in creating miniature fairy gardens, providing a diverse texture and color palette for these whimsical displays.
- Crafting: Pressed leaves of Coral Bells can be used in crafting activities, such as creating bookmarks, greeting cards, or in decoupage projects.
- Educational Aid: Its varied leaf colors and textures can serve as a live example when teaching about plant diversity and adaptation in educational settings.
- Seasonal Decor: Coral Bells’ foliage can be used in fall decor due to its colorful leaves, complementing pumpkins and other autumn-themed items.
- Theme Gardens: Coral Bells can be incorporated into a gothic-themed garden, due to its dark-hued cultivars like 'Binoche', to add to the mysterious ambiance.
- Plant Combinations: Use as a contrasting plant in combination with brighter flowers in garden beds to provide a dramatic visual contrast and draw attention to surrounding blooms.
- Host Plant for Dye: The leaves of Coral Bells can be experimented with as a natural source of dye for fabrics, though testing for colorfastness is recommended.
- Groundcover: In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Coral Bells can be planted closely to serve as a colorful and textured groundcover that prevents soil erosion.
- Table Arrangements: The leaves can be creatively placed in table arrangements and centerpieces, especially for events that require a natural, earthy theme.
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- Durability: Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is revered for its robustness and resilience, often symbolizing the ability to withstand varying conditions.
- Variety: With its numerous cultivars and varying leaf colors, Coral Bells represent diversity and a wide range of options in life.
- Beauty in subtlety: Coral Bells are not known for flashy flowers, but rather for their elegant foliage; this can symbolize the beauty found in understated elegance and a subtle approach.
- Balanced allure: The plant's delicate balance of attractive foliage and inconspicuous blooms may suggest a grounded yet enchanting personality.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered deeply once a week, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly. During hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. It's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. A general guideline is to provide about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or manual watering. Adjust the amount based on soil type and environmental conditions, avoiding waterlogging.
LightCoral Bells thrive in conditions with partial shade to full shade, especially in the afternoon when the sun is most intense. They can tolerate morning sun, making eastern exposures ideal. The best spot for Coral Bells is one that receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade to protect its foliage from scorching.
TemperatureCoral Bells are hardy in a range of temperatures and can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 85°F. However, they prefer temperatures between 60°F and 70°F for optimal growth. In regions with extreme temperatures, providing shade or winter mulch can help protect the plants.
PruningCoral Bells should be pruned to remove faded flowers and dead leaves, which encourages new growth and maintains the plant's appearance. Best done in early spring or after flowering, pruning can be performed as needed throughout the growing season to keep the plants looking tidy. Always use clean, sharp tools to make cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells prefer well-draining, fertile soil 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 for retaining moisture while avoiding waterlogging.
RepottingCoral Bells should be repotted every 3-4 years or when it outgrows its current container to ensure continued growth and vigor.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells thrive in moderate humidity levels, around 50%. They do well in normal indoor humidity but should be protected from excessively dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells in bright, indirect light and maintain even moisture.
Outdoor
Plant Coral Bells in dappled shade and ensure soil drains well.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Heuchera 'Binoche', commonly known as Coral Bells, starts its life as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-draining soil during spring or early summer. As a young plant, it establishes a rosette of purple-black leaves close to the ground and begins to develop a strong root system. As it matures, Coral Bells produce tall, slender flowering stalks with small bell-shaped flowers, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. Following the flowering stage, seeds form and are dispersed, which can lead to new plants if conditions are favorable. Throughout the growing season, Heuchera 'Binoche' may also spread slowly by creeping rhizomes, forming a dense clump. The plant is perennial, with foliage often remaining evergreen or semi-evergreen in milder climates, and will enter a dormancy phase in winter to survive cold temperatures, resuming growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Heuchera 'Binoche', commonly known as Coral Bells, is typically propagated by division. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring or early fall when the temperatures are mild and there's adequate moisture, which helps the plant recover from the division process. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of coral bells from the ground with a shovel or garden fork. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several leaves and roots. Plant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters). Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them, making sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged during their first growing season to encourage root growth. This method is popular because it helps maintain the vigor of the plant and allows gardeners to quickly and easily increase their stock.
