Coral Bells Heuchera Ebony and Ivory = 'E and I' (PBR)

Water

The Coral Bells, commonly known as Heuchera 'Ebony and Ivory', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Watering frequency depends on weather conditions and soil type, but a general guideline is to water once a week, providing about one gallon of water per plant, ensuring even moisture distribution. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases and try to water early in the day to give the foliage time to dry. During hotter, drier periods, increase watering frequency, but always check the soil moisture level first to avoid overwatering.

Light

Coral Bells flourish in partial shade, where they can receive filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but may need protection from the intense, hot afternoon sun to prevent scorching of their attractive foliage. An ideal spot is beneath a canopy of trees that allows dappled light to filter through.

Temperature

Coral Bells are adaptable to a range of temperatures and can survive from 20 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they thrive at moderate temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. They are generally hardy and can withstand a freeze, but extreme heat and direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day can stress the plants.

Pruning

Coral Bells should be pruned to remove any damaged or dead foliage and to promote a tidy appearance. Pruning is best done in the spring to remove winter-damaged leaves and can be repeated throughout the growing season as needed. Deadheading the flower stalks after blooming can also encourage additional flowering and prevent self-seeding.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Coral Bells (Heuchera 'E and I') prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix for Coral Bells should include organic compost or peat moss, perlite or vermiculite for aeration, and a base of loamy or sandy soil to ensure proper drainage.

Repotting

Coral Bells (Heuchera 'E and I') typically need to be repotted every 2-3 years. They should be repotted if the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil has degraded.

Humidity & Misting

Coral Bells (Heuchera 'E and I') thrive best in average household humidity levels, ranging from 40% to 50%. They can tolerate some variation in humidity but prefer consistent conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep Coral Bells (Heuchera 'E and I') in bright, indirect light and moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant Coral Bells (Heuchera 'E and I') in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Heuchera 'Ebony and Ivory', commonly known as Coral Bells, is a perennial plant that begins its life cycle from a seed or more commonly from division or tissue culture. Once planted, the seedling or divided young plant will establish its root system and begin to produce a rosette of leaves, typically within the first growing season. During its second year and subsequent years, the Heuchera 'Ebony and Ivory' will mature, developing its characteristic dark purple, almost ebony, foliage with silvery-white veining – the "ivory" – and will send up slender stems that bear small, bell-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer. After the flowering period, seeds may form, and if conditions are right, these can disperse to create new plants, although this particular cultivar is more reliably propagated by division. The plant can live several years, during which older leaves may die back, especially after the winter, to be replaced by fresh growth in the spring. As a perennial, Heuchera 'Ebony and Ivory' will undergo periods of dormancy each winter, resuming growth with warmer temperatures in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Heuchera 'E and I', commonly referred to as Coral Bells, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this ornamental plant. Propagation by division is best done in the spring as new growth begins. The plant should be carefully lifted from the ground and the root ball should be divided into several sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system along with healthy leaves. These divisions should be replanted at the same depth they were growing at originally, spaced about 12 inches (roughly 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to establish them in their new location. This method is effective because it not only helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous, but it also preserves the characteristics of the parent plant, since Coral Bells are often grown for their specific leaf colors and patterns.