Coral Bells Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus'
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus' is a captivating perennial known for its striking foliage and dainty flower displays. The leaves of the plant boast a unique coloration, characterized by silvery-gray hues adorned with darker veins that create an almost marbled effect. Each leaf is rounded, with a gentle scalloping along the edges that contributes to the plant's overall lush texture. Throughout the active growing seasons, 'Hocus Pocus' produces delicate bell-shaped flowers that stand tall above the decorative leaves on slender stalks. These flowers typically exhibit a soft hue, often ranging from pink to white, which adds a whimsical contrast to the boldness of the foliage. The plant's aesthetic lends itself to being a standout in shade gardens or as a contrasting texture among other garden plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus'
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence suggesting that ingesting parts of the Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus' leads to poisoning or adverse health effects. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant when it comes to human ingestion. However, it is always advisable to refrain from eating any plant material unless absolutely certain of its safety and edibility.
To pets
Coral Bells are also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Consuming parts of Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus' is unlikely to cause poisoning or serious health issues in pets. As with humans, there are no specific symptoms related to the toxicity of this plant for pets, largely because it is not considered poisonous. Despite this, pet owners should always monitor their animals and prevent them from eating plants not intended for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 feet 2 inches (35 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Year-round Interest: Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus' provides visual interest throughout all seasons with its semi-evergreen foliage.
- Diverse Foliage: The plant features distinctive purple-silver leaves with dark veining, adding variety to the garden's color palette.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners and those seeking a low-maintenance landscape.
- Tolerance of Shade: This coral bell variety thrives in partial shade, where many other colorful plants might struggle to grow.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus' is quite drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Compact Size: Its mounding habit and moderate growth make it suitable for small gardens, borders, and container planting.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant produces delicate bell-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Resistant to Pests: It is generally resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control methods.
- Erosion Control: The fibrous root system of Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus' helps to prevent soil erosion in sloped gardens and landscape areas.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The foliage is not favored by deer or rabbits, which helps to prevent damage and preserve the garden's appearance.
- Versatility in Design: Can be used in a variety of garden designs, including rock gardens, woodland settings, and as underplantings for larger shrubs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The leaves of the Coral Bells can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric and yarn, with the color varying based on the mordant used.
- Crafts: The foliage, with its varied and often colorful leaves, can be pressed or used in floral arrangements, including dried flower projects.
- Educational tool: Gardeners and educators use Coral Bells to demonstrate various botanical concepts, such as hybridization or leaf morphology.
- Photography: Due to their vibrant colors and interesting shapes, Coral Bells can be great subjects for botanical and garden photography.
- Groundcover: In large groupings, Coral Bells can function as an aesthetically pleasing groundcover that reduces weed growth and soil erosion.
- Seasonal decoration: Coral Bells can be used in autumn displays and arrangements, due to their often reddish and purple foliage that complements fall themes.
- Culinary garnish: Although not widely known for their taste, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish for certain dishes.
- Theme gardens: They are frequently used to create themed gardens, like 'witch' or 'magic' gardens due to their enchanting names and appearances.
- Container gardening: Coral Bells are suitable for growing in pots or containers, providing flexibility for urban gardeners with limited space.
- Ice decorations: In winter, the leaves can be frozen into blocks of ice for unique and artistic garden decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Heuchera is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Heuchera is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Magic and Mystery: The name 'Hocus Pocus' suggests enchantment and the element of surprise, much like a magician's spell. This plant may symbolize the unexpected and the power of transformation.
- Endurance and Perseverance: Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, making them a symbol of tenacity and adaptability.
- Versatility: Coral Bells come in a variety of colors and textures, representing flexibility and the ability to succeed in different environments.
- Rustic Charm: With its origins in North American forests, the plant evokes a sense of natural, untamed beauty, symbolizing simplicity and authenticity.
WaterCoral bells should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Usually, this means watering approximately once a week, but frequency can vary based on temperature and soil conditions. It’s important to avoid shallow watering which can lead to shallow root systems. Provide enough water so that it reaches the roots, typically using about half a gallon for a medium-sized plant each time you water. In hotter weather or if planted in containers, you may need to water more frequently, paying attention to the moisture level of the soil without waterlogging the plant.
LightCoral bells thrive best in a location that receives partial shade to full shade. They can tolerate morning sun but should be protected from the intense afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. An ideal spot is under a canopy of trees or on the north side of a building where they receive filtered light or gentle morning sunlight but avoid the harsh midday rays.
TemperatureCoral bells prefer moderate temperature conditions and are generally hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, coping with minimum winter temperatures as low as -30° Fahrenheit. While they can survive brief periods of heat, they don't thrive in extended high temperatures above 80° Fahrenheit. The ideal range is between 60 and 70° Fahrenheit for robust growth and health.
PruningCoral bells should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged foliage and spent flower stalks, which help encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for tidying up the plant is in spring or after it has finished flowering. Prune the plant once a year, but you can also remove individual leaves or stalks as needed throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus') is a well-draining, fertile soil with a mix of organic matter such as compost or peat moss. It should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCoral Bells should be repotted every 3-4 years or when they outgrow their containers, to refresh the soil and accommodate their growing root system.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells thrive in moderate humidity levels but will tolerate a range of conditions as long as the soil moisture is consistent.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with organically rich, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera 'Hocus Pocus', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in well-draining soil and germinate, usually requiring light for successful sprouting. The seedlings establish themselves and grow into a rosette of leaves at ground level, and as they mature, the plants develop a strong root system. During the growth period, Coral Bells produce long stalks on which small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in clusters, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers set seed, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus' may undergo vegetative propagation via division, where clumps are split to create new plants. With proper care, Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus' is perennial, with the life cycle repeating annually, dying back in winter and reemerging from their hardy roots in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
The ideal time to propagate Heuchera 'Hocus Pocus', commonly known as Coral Bells, is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for Coral Bells is by division. To do this, carefully dig up the plant ensuring to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Gently separate the crowns at the natural divisions where the plant shows signs of individual clumps. Each section should have a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions immediately into well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for mature growth. Water the new plants thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture without overwatering to encourage establishment.
