Coral Bells Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' (Fox Series)
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' (Fox Series), commonly known as Coral Bells, is a perennial plant cherished for its striking foliage and dainty flower spikes. The leaves of Frilly Lizzie are particularly eye-catching, boasting a ruffled texture that truly sets it apart from other Coral Bells varieties. These leaves are often a blend of deep purples and silvers, catching the light to create a shimmering effect in the garden. Depending on the light exposure, the foliage may exhibit various hues, creating a dynamic and vibrant display that shifts with the changing sunlight throughout the day. In addition to the beautiful foliage, Frilly Lizzie produces delicate flower spikes that rise above the leaves. The flowers themselves are small, bell-shaped, and typically a soft shade of white or pink, which contrasts beautifully against the boldness of the foliage. The overall appearance of the plant is one of both contrast and harmony, with the textured leaves providing a lush, ornamental backdrop for the ethereal flowers that float above. Coral Bells Frilly Lizzie is a favorite among gardeners for creating visual interest and texture in garden beds and borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' (Fox Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells 'Frilly Lizzie' is not commonly known to be poisonous to humans. Most Heuchera varieties are considered safe and non-toxic. Consequently, ingestion typically does not lead to significant symptoms or severe consequences for humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could provoke mild discomfort or irritation.
To pets
Coral Bells 'Frilly Lizzie' is generally recognized as non-toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of this plant should not cause serious harm or poisoning symptoms in pets. Despite its non-toxic status, eating large quantities of any plant material can potentially cause digestive discomfort in animals, so monitoring your pets around plants is still a good practice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' offers uniquely textured and colorful leaves that add visual interest to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: It can survive with limited water, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant produces flowers that can add color to the garden for an extended period.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in partially shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, such as borders, groundcovers, or containers.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some perennials, it tends to stay where it's planted, without overtaking the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract butterflies and bees, helping to pollinate the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with its evergreen foliage in mild climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Marker of seasonal changes: Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' changes leaf color throughout the seasons, which can provide gardeners with a natural indicator of the changing seasons.
- Photography subject: The unique appearance of Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' makes it an interesting subject for plant photography and macro photography.
- Leaf pressing: The distinctive leaves of Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' can be pressed and used for botanical art projects or herbarium specimens.
- Educational tool: Due to its variety within the species, it can be used in academic settings as an example of plant genetics and hybridization.
- Container gardening: The compact size of Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' makes it suitable for container gardens, adding color and texture to balconies and patios.
- Garden borders: This plant can be used to create vivid or contrasting borders in landscaping designs, without relying on blooming flowers.
- Theme gardens: Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' can be used in theme gardens, like fantasy gardens, for its ruffled foliage that may resemble otherworldly flora.
- Crafts: The leaves can be used in crafts, such as making leaf-print patterns on fabric or paper, due to their unique texture and patterns.
- Reflecting pools and water features: Planted at the edge, it can reflect beautifully on water, offering a mirrored visual of its foliage.
- Miniature fairy gardens: Its small size and ornamental leaves make Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' perfect for creating fairy gardens and small-scale landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCoral Bells are not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCoral Bells are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Enduring Beauty: Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, symbolizes enduring beauty due to its attractive foliage that adds charm throughout the seasons.
- Variety and Versatility: With its diverse range of leaf colors and patterns, Coral Bells reflect the symbolism of variety and adaptability in different conditions.
- New Beginnings: The perennial nature of Coral Bells, which comes back year after year, represents new beginnings and the cycle of life.
- Unity: The tightly clustered bell-shaped flowers of Coral Bells are often seen as a symbol of unity and bringing together diverse elements harmoniously.
WaterCoral bells should be watered thoroughly, but it is crucial to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. You should aim to water them every week with approximately one gallon per plant, depending on climate and soil conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, they may need water more frequently. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and check the moisture level before watering. Consistency is key, and during the winter, you can reduce the watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down.
LightCoral bells thrive best in partial to full shade, making them ideal for spots that receive morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. They can tolerate more sun in cooler climates, but in hotter areas, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch. A good location for the Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' would be under the canopy of open-branched trees or on the north side of a building where it receives filtered light.
TemperatureCoral bells are cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F, though their ideal growing temperatures range from 65°F to 75°F. In extreme heat, they can suffer if temperatures consistently exceed 90°F, especially if they’re in direct sunlight. These plants perform best when they are shielded from the harshest midday heat and are kept in conditions that prevent excessive temperature fluctuations.
PruningPruning coral bells is mainly done to remove dead or damaged leaves and to encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is in the spring or early summer when new growth begins to appear. Cut back any winter-damaged foliage before new growth starts. Throughout the growing season, periodic trimming of spent flowers and dead leaves can keep the plant looking tidy. Pruning is not frequently needed, but an occasional trim can help maintain the plant's vibrant appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal mixture includes one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingCoral Bells do not need to be repotted often; they can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the container.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells thrive in average household humidity levels but appreciate higher humidity. They require no special humidity adjustments when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Coral Bells in partial to full shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' begins its life as a seed, sown in well-drained soil with partial to full shade exposure. Upon germination, the seed develops into a small seedling with characteristic frilly leaves, indicating successful sprouting. As the plant grows, a rosette of ruffled, scalloped leaves forms, and the plant enters the vegetative stage, during which it expands its leaf spread and strengthens the root system. Flowering typically occurs in the mature stage, producing delicate bell-shaped flowers on tall, slender stems above the foliage during spring or early summer. After pollination, seeds are produced, allowing for the plant's reproduction and dispersal. Finally, as a perennial, Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie' may enter a period of dormancy in colder climates during the winter months before resuming growth in the subsequent spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Heuchera 'Frilly Lizzie', commonly known as Coral Bells, can be propagated through division, which is the most popular and effective method for this plant. Typically, the best time to propagate by division is in the spring as the plants emerge from dormancy. Division involves carefully digging up an established plant and gently separating it into smaller sections, each with its own root system. Each section should have at least two or three shoots to ensure successful growth. The divisions should be replanted at the same depth they were growing at before and watered in well. This process rejuvenates the plant, encourages growth, and helps maintain a compact form, which is important for the ornamental appeal of Coral Bells.
