Coral Bells Heuchera 'Blondie' (PBR) (Little Cutie Series)
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Blondie' (PBR), which is part of the Little Cutie Series, is a delightful perennial known commonly as Coral Bells. This particular variety features a compact mound of rounded, lobed leaves that have a unique appearance. The foliage comes in a caramel-yellow hue that can add a warm, vibrant touch to any garden space. Throughout the seasons, the leaf color may deepen or transform, adding to the plant's allure. On top of this attractive foliage, Coral Bells 'Blondie' produces tall stems, upon which dainty, bell-shaped flowers bloom. These blossoms are creamy-yellow to white, depending on the stage of flowering, and they form a tight, eye-catching cluster that hovers beautifully above the foliage. The contrast between the flowers and the leaves creates a striking visual appeal. The blossoms are not only attractive to the human eye but also to pollinators such as bees, making this plant a beneficial addition to a biodiversity-friendly garden. Over time, Heuchera 'Blondie' forms a dense mat, spreading its charm without overtaking the garden space, suitable for borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot.
Common names
Heuchera 'Blondie' (PBR) (Little Cutie Series)
ToxicityTo humans
Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant because it does not contain any known toxic principles that would cause harm if ingested in small quantities. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, and ingestion of plant parts in large enough quantities could potentially cause stomach discomfort or irritation.
To pets
Coral Bells is also non-toxic to pets. It should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning if pets occasionally nibble on the leaves or stems. While it is not considered poisonous, ingestion of large amounts of plant material may potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the ingestion of non-digestible matter rather than specific toxic substances.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Yellow
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact Size: Heuchera 'Blondie' is small and suitable for rock gardens, container plantings, and fronts of borders.
- Attractive Foliage: Offers year-round interest with its evergreen leaves that vary in color depending on the season.
- Easy Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and is generally easy to care for once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Extended Blooming: Produces flowers from spring to fall, providing a long season of visual interest.
- Pest Resistant: Resilient to many common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Non-Invasive: It does not spread aggressively, so it won't take over garden spaces or displace other plants.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatile Design Element: Its mounding habit and varying leaf colors make it an excellent choice for both formal and informal garden designs.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures and is suitable for growing in a wide range of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creating a foliage tapestry: Heuchera 'Blondie' can be combined with other low-growing plants in a patchwork design to create a visually appealing foliage tapestry in shade gardens.
- Photography backdrops: The unique coloring of Heuchera 'Blondie' provides a stunning backdrop for macro and close-up photography of insects and other small garden creatures.
- Edging walkways: Planting Heuchera 'Blondie' along garden paths can provide a neat, year-round edge that highlights the walkway and guides visitors through the landscape.
- Potted gifts: Due to its compact size, Heuchera 'Blondie' is suitable for potting and giving as living gifts for housewarmings or as party favors.
- Seasonal wreaths: The foliage and dried flower stems can be used to craft ornamental wreaths for seasonal decorations.
- Garnishing: Although not commonly known, fresh Heuchera 'Blondie' leaves can be used as a non-toxic garnish for culinary presentation.
- Texture contrast in floral arrangements: The leaves and blooms can add interesting texture when used in mixed floral arrangements.
- Miniature garden scenes: Due to its small size, Heuchera 'Blondie' works well in creating miniature garden scenes or fairy gardens.
- Creative arts and crafts: Leaves can serve as stamps for printmaking or natural elements in mixed media art projects.
- Frosty garden interest: The leaves can hold onto frost and snow, offering a unique visual appeal in the winter garden landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCoral Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCoral Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: Heucheras are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, making them a symbol of persistence and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Variety and Versatility: With the diverse range of leaf colors and textures, heucheras like the Heuchera 'Blondie' represent diversity and adaptability, reminding us of the need to embrace variation in life.
- Attraction: The brightly colored leaves and delicate flowers of the Heuchera 'Blondie' can symbolize attraction and charm, illustrating the allure and beauty found in the natural world.
- Bountifulness: Since the Heuchera 'Blondie' produces numerous small flowers on tall stems, it can represent a sense of abundance or generosity.
- Protectiveness: The Heuchera 'Blondie', with its dense foliage, can also be seen as a symbol of shelter and protection, providing coverage for smaller creatures within a garden.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered regularly to maintain a moist, but not soggy, soil. During active growth periods in the spring and summer, watering may be necessary once or twice a week, particularly if there are prolonged dry spells. It's best to check the top inch of the soil; if it's dry, it's time to water. When watering, ensure that the water is applied directly to the soil around the plant to soak the roots, providing about 1 gallon per week during peak summer months for an established plant.
LightCoral Bells prefer part shade to full shade conditions, thriving best when protected from the intense afternoon sun. An ideal spot would be under the dappled light of a tree canopy or on the east or north side of a building where it can get morning sun and afternoon shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially in hot summer climates.
TemperatureCoral Bells do best in a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F but can handle temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 80°F. To thrive, they should be planted in regions where the summer temperatures don’t frequently exceed the higher end of their tolerance. This plant generally prefers cooler conditions and may not perform well in areas with very hot summers.
PruningPruning Coral Bells is mainly done to remove any damaged or old foliage and to encourage a tidy growth habit. It's best to prune in early spring by removing winter-damaged leaves, and deadheading the spent flower stalks after blooming to promote additional blooms. Pruning can also be done periodically throughout the growing season as needed to maintain the plant's shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. To create an ideal soil mix, combine garden soil with compost and peat moss or perlite to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingCoral Bells don't require frequent repotting and can usually be repotted every 3-4 years. Repot to refresh the soil, divide large clumps, or when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells thrive with average room humidity levels. They do not require high humidity and can cope with the typical humidity found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Coral Bells in part shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera 'Blondie', also known as Coral Bells, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring under the correct conditions of moisture and light. The seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves, which is the juvenile vegetative stage where the plant focuses on building its root system and foliage. As it matures into the adult vegetative stage, Heuchera 'Blondie' develops a more extensive root system and a denser rosette of evergreen leaves, which are often attractively colored and contribute to the ornamental value of the plant. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, the plant sends up slender flowering stalks above the foliage, with small bell-shaped flowers that can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Once pollinated, these flowers develop into fruit capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive stage. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the colder months, although in milder climates, the foliage may remain evergreen throughout the year, before resuming growth in the next seasonal cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: Heuchera 'Blondie', commonly known as Coral Bells, is best propagated through division, typically performed in spring or fall. The division process involves carefully lifting the mature plant from the ground, using a sharp spade or knife to divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one growing point or a piece of the crown with attached roots. These divisions are then replanted into well-preparing soil, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Watering the newly planted divisions thoroughly helps establish them in their new location. This method of propagation is favorable for Coral Bells as it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and leads to new plants that are true to the original in terms of growth and bloom.
