Coral Bells Heuchera 'Cappuccino'
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Cappuccino', commonly known as Coral Bells, is a visually striking plant that offers a rich tapestry of color and texture. The foliage of this variety is particularly notable for its warm, cappuccino-hued leaves that can range in color from a frothy tan to a deep amber or russet. Each leaf is rounded, with a gently lobed and scalloped edge, giving the plant a soft, ruffled appearance. The leaves are often veined or marbled with darker shades, which highlight the unique coloration and create a sense of depth. This variegation adds an expressive contrast against the brighter parts of the garden. Over time, the leaves might change color with the seasons, providing a dynamic display that evolves from spring to fall. During the blooming period, Coral Bells send up delicate flowering stems that tower above the foliage. These stems are adorned with tiny bell-shaped flowers that can range in color from creamy white to soft pink. The contrast between the airy flowers and the robust leaves creates an alluring display in any garden setting. In summary, Heuchera 'Cappuccino' is characterized by its attractive, uniquely colored leaves with a muted yet warm palate and ruffled texture, complemented by its delicate and airy bell-shaped flowers, making it a charming addition to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Cappuccino'
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells, which is the most common name for Heuchera 'Cappuccino', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. Therefore, accidental consumption is unlikely to cause harm or significant symptoms. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, and it's always advisable to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Coral Bells are also considered non-toxic to pets, including both dogs and cats. They are not known to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning if pets happen to ingest parts of this plant. While the consumption of non-food plants should generally be discouraged, ingesting Coral Bells is unlikely to result in any serious consequences for pets. As with humans, pets may have individual sensitivities, so watch for any signs of distress and consult a veterinarian if any concerns arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Height
1 foot 12 inches [30 cm 30.48 cm]
Spread
1 foot 18 inches [30 cm 45.72 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Heuchera 'Cappuccino' offers unique year-round foliage interest with its caramel-to-copper-colored leaves that can add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy Maintenance: Known for being low-maintenance, this plant doesn't require frequent care, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for constant watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Shade Tolerance: Heuchera 'Cappuccino' can thrive in partial to full shade, providing flexibility for garden planning in areas with varying light conditions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The delicate bell-shaped flowers of the plant can attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: It produces blooms typically in spring or early summer, adding an extra layer of interest beyond its attractive foliage.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is less appealing to deer and rabbits, which helps to prevent damage and keeps the garden looking its best.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Material: Leaves of the Coral Bells can be used to create natural prints on fabric or paper, due to their interesting textures and shapes.
- Photography Subject: The uniquely colored foliage of Coral Bells provides an excellent subject for macro photography, showcasing the intricate patterns and hues.
- Theme Gardens: Coral Bells can be utilized in a monochromatic garden theme, particularly using their 'Cappuccino' variety to provide rich, coffee-colored tones to the landscape.
- Living Mulch: The dense foliage of the Coral Bells can be used as a living mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use Coral Bells to teach students about perennial life cycles, hybridization, and foliage variation in botany classes.
- Fairy Gardens: The small size and ornate leaves of Coral Bells make them a whimsical addition to fairy gardens and miniature landscapes.
- Seasonal Decorations: Dried leaves and seed heads of the Coral Bells can be used in fall decorations and wreaths, contributing their texture and color.
- Bird Attraction: While not a primary food source, the Coral Bells can attract birds to the garden, which may come to investigate the plants or catch small insects among them.
- Container Gardening: Coral Bells work well in pots and containers, providing year-round interest when selected varieties have evergreen or semi-evergreen traits.
- Leaf Casting: The varied leaf shapes of Coral Bells are perfect for creating concrete or plaster casts that capture the fine vein details, suitable for garden ornaments or stepping stones.
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- Permanence: As a hardy perennial, Heuchera 'Cappuccino', commonly known as Coral Bells, symbolizes stability and lasting presence in a garden.
- Versatility: With its adaptability to different garden conditions, Coral Bells represents the ability to thrive in various environments.
- Attraction: The bell-shaped flowers are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making Coral Bells a symbol of allure and magnetism.
WaterCoral Bells, the common name for Heuchera 'Cappuccino', prefer evenly moist soil, so they should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Since their watering needs can vary based on temperature and humidity, a general guide is to water them once or twice a week. Use approximately 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session, making sure to water directly at the soil level to avoid wetting the foliage. During the hot summer months, they may need more frequent watering, while in the cooler months, they'll require less.
LightCoral Bells thrive in a spot with partial shade to full shade, meaning a location that receives filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade is ideal. However, Heuchera 'Cappuccino' can also tolerate more sun in cooler climates as long as they are not exposed to the harsh midday sun. Avoid placing them in deep shade as this can lead to reduced foliage color and vigor.
TemperatureCoral Bells are quite hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, but they prefer a setting where the temperature is between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can survive minimum temperatures down to -25°F, making them suitable for many gardens. Coral Bells should be protected from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 80°F may stress the plant.
PruningCoral Bells benefit from pruning to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to encourage a more compact growth habit. Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer, and it is generally recommended to prune them back lightly once a year. After flowering, you can also cut back the flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance and possibly stimulate a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells (Heuchera 'Cappuccino') thrive in soil that's well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts garden loam, peat moss, and perlite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Regular compost addition helps maintain soil fertility, ensuring the plant's vigorous growth and attractive foliage.
RepottingCoral Bells typically need to be repotted every 3-4 years. The best time to repot Heuchera 'Cappuccino' is in the spring, before the onset of the growing season. This allows the plant to establish itself in the new pot, with fresh soil, and minimize transplant shock.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells prefer average humidity levels, but can tolerate a range if the soil moisture conditions are right. They do not require high humidity and can thrive in the humidity levels typically found in most homes or gardens.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, fertile, well-drained soil outside.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera 'Cappuccino', commonly known as Coral Bells, starts its life as a seed which, when sown, germinates usually within several weeks under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedlings develop into rosettes of ruffled, caramel to red-brown colored leaves, characteristic of the 'Cappuccino' cultivar. As the plant matures, it forms a clumping habit, with foliage expanding in size and quantity. In late spring to early summer, the plant sends up tall, slender stems that bear small, bell-shaped flowers, often in shades of cream, white, or pink, which are attractive to pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. Coral Bells are perennial plants and, after seed production, will continue to grow and spread, often remaining in the garden for several years with proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Heuchera 'Cappuccino', commonly known as Coral Bells, is typically propagated in late spring to early summer, taking advantage of the plant's active growth phase. The most popular method of propagation for Coral Bells is by division, which involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with a piece of the crown and some roots. To propagate by division, one would gently lift the entire plant out of the ground, shake off excess soil, and carefully pull the plant apart at the natural divisions in the root system. Each section should have at least one growing point, or "eye," along with a portion of the roots. The divisions are then replanted at the same depth they were growing originally and watered in well to help establish them. This method preserves the traits of the parent plant and can quickly produce a significant number of new plants.
