Coral Bells Heuchera 'Lipstick' (PBR)
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Lipstick' is a striking perennial known commonly as Coral Bells. It is celebrated for its vibrant foliage and attractive flowers. The rounded leaves are characteristically lobed and form a low-growing, mounded habit. The foliage has a rich palette of colors, often showcasing shades of green which may be overlaid with hues of silver or burgundy, depending on the light exposure and the season. The real standout feature of Heuchera 'Lipstick' comes during its blooming period, when it sends up tall, slender stems that rise above the foliage. Atop these stems, a series of small, bell-shaped flowers are presented, giving rise to the plant's common name. These flowers are typically a striking color, often living up to the variety's name with shades that can recall the red of lipstick. The blooms are known to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. Heuchera 'Lipstick' plants generally maintain a neat, compact appearance throughout the growing season, making them popular choices for adding a dash of continuous color to flower beds, borders, and container plantings. The delicate flowers contrast beautifully with the robust leaves, creating a multi-dimensional display that can enhance the aesthetic of any garden space.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Lipstick' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that the Heuchera 'Lipstick' variety poses a risk of poisoning when touched or ingested.
To pets
Coral Bells are also typically safe for pets and are not known to be toxic to animals such as cats and dogs. If a pet were to ingest a part of a Heuchera 'Lipstick' plant, they are not expected to suffer from poisoning symptoms as a result of the ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Heuchera 'Lipstick' adds vibrant color to gardens with its bright flowers and attractive foliage.
- Long Flowering Season: This plant has a prolonged blooming period, providing flowers from late spring to early summer.
- Low Maintenance: Heuchera 'Lipstick' is easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is generally drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient landscaping.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Shade Tolerance: Capable of growing in partially shaded areas where many other plants would struggle.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soils.
- Compact Size: With its compact growth habit, it fits well in smaller gardens or as underplanting for larger shrubs.
- Seasonal Interest: Heuchera 'Lipstick' provides year-round interest with seasonal leaf changes and evergreen qualities in milder climates.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life to the garden.
- Variability: Offers variety with different hybrids available, ensuring diverse choices for landscape design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves of Coral Bells can be boiled to extract pigments that may be used to naturally dye fabrics or paper into subtle earth tones.
- Creative arts and crafts: The unique foliage can be used for leaf casting or imprinting to create detailed and decorative patterns in clay or cement for garden ornaments.
- Photography enhancements: Because of their vibrant colors and interesting textures, Coral Bells are often used as a backdrop or focus in close-up photography, adding depth to the composition.
- Educational tool: Coral Bells can be used to teach children or gardening amateurs about perennial life cycles and the importance of foliage in garden design.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried leaves of Coral Bells, when crumbled, can serve as a biodegradable confetti alternative at events and celebrations.
- Garden markers: Sturdy stems of Coral Bells can be trimmed and used as natural labels or markers in the garden, when written on with a weatherproof marker.
- Livestock feed additive: In some regions, the foliage of Coral Bells might be used as a supplemental feed for livestock, although this is not commonly practiced.
- Companion planting: Due to their hardy nature, Coral Bells can be used in companion planting to help signify soil health and act as a natural indicator for when other plants might need attention.
- Temporary shelter for small wildlife: The dense foliage can provide a temporary haven for small beneficial insects and other garden creatures.
- Culinary presentation: Although not commonly consumed, the leaves can be used for garnishing and adding a pop of color on food platters for special occasions.
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- Durability: Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is a hardy perennial, which symbolizes strength and the ability to withstand changing conditions.
- Variety: With its vast array of colors and forms, Coral Bells represent the diversity and richness of life.
- Attraction: The 'Lipstick' cultivar, in particular, with its bright, attractive flowers, can symbolize allure and charm.
- Longevity: Coral Bells are known for their long blooming season, signifying endurance and long-lasting beauty.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not soaking wet. During hot or dry periods, water them thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil drainage. In general, it's sufficient to provide approximately one inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or manual watering. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before adding more water. Excessive watering can lead to root rot, so it's important not to let the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
LightCoral Bells prefer to be positioned in a location that receives partial shade to full sun. They perform best when they get morning sunlight and are protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. An ideal spot provides filtered sunlight or several hours of direct sun followed by dappled or partial shade.
TemperatureCoral Bells are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they flourish best when the temperature is between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can generally survive minimum temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for most temperate climates.
PruningCoral Bells should be pruned to remove any damaged or dead leaves and to promote a tidy growth habit. They should be pruned in the spring to prepare for new growth and might need light pruning throughout the season to remove spent flower stalks or neaten their appearance. The best time for substantial pruning is early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells thrive in well-draining soil with a mix of organic matter, like compost, and perlite to ensure aeration. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, roughly between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingCoral Bells should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and attend to any potential crowding of the roots.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells prefer average humidity levels and can tolerate the typical humidity found in most homes without requiring any special treatment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Coral Bells in partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleHeuchera 'Lipstick', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in spring or summer, germinating in warm conditions. After seedling emergence, it enters a vegetative growth phase, where it develops a rosette of leaves and roots over several weeks to months. The plant reaches maturity in the second or third year, at which point it produces tall flowering stalks bearing small, bell-shaped flowers that are attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, typically in late spring to early summer, seeds are set and dispersed naturally or collected for propagation. In perennial fashion, the vegetative foliage remains, allowing the plant to endure through winter, especially if mulched or protected in colder climates. Coral Bells may be divided every three to four years in spring or fall to maintain vigor and can be propagated through division at this stage as well.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Heuchera 'Lipstick', commonly known as coral bells, is typically propagated in spring or early summer. The most popular method for propagating this particular variety is through division. This involves carefully lifting the plant and separating the crowns with a sharp, clean knife or spade. Each division should have a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions at the same soil depth as the original plant and water them thoroughly to help establish the roots. It's essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. Divisions should be spaced about a foot apart (approximately 30 centimeters) to allow the plants enough room to grow and mature.
