Alum root 'Marmalade' Heuchera 'Marmalade' (PBR)
ABOUT
'Marmalade' forms mounds of lobed and slightly ruffled leaves in varying shades of pink, bronze and yellow-brown, undersides sometimes bright pink. Clump to 45cm spread. Brownish flowers on deep pink stems are borne above the leaves in summer, to 25cm
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot.
Common names
Heuchera 'Marmalade' (PBR)
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
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- Attractive Foliage: Features ruffled leaves in shades of rich amber to peachy bronze, providing a lush and colorful display throughout the growing season.
- Extended Interest: Offers year-round interest with its evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, depending on the climate.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Heuchera 'Marmalade' is tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: Performs well in shady areas where other plants may struggle to thrive, making it a versatile choice for garden design.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, which can be especially appealing for busy gardeners or those looking for lower maintenance landscapes.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments and contributing to a healthier garden environment.
- Attracts Wildlife: Flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others without having to purchase new plants.
- Versatile Landscape Use: Suitable for use in borders, rock gardens, containers, and as ground cover, offering a variety of landscaping options.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some ornamental plants, Heuchera 'Marmalade' does not aggressively spread, making it a considerate choice for mixed plantings and neighborly gardening.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Container Gardening: Heuchera 'Marmalade' adds a pop of color to container gardens with its rich, amber-colored foliage, providing a striking contrast to green plants.
- Accent in Rock Gardens: Due to its compact nature and interesting foliage, Heuchera 'Marmalade' serves as a vibrant accent plant in rock gardens, complementing the textures and shapes of the rocks.
- Ground Cover: When planted in mass, Heuchera 'Marmalade' can act as an effective ground cover, reducing the growth of weeds and requiring minimal maintenance.
- Borders: The plant's mounded habit makes it suitable for creating soft borders along pathways or garden beds, offering structure and color throughout the seasons.
- Edging: Heuchera 'Marmalade' can be used for edging flower beds or walkways, its colorful leaves providing a year-round edging solution as an alternative to traditional green shrubs.
- Pollinator Attraction: While not its primary use, Heuchera 'Marmalade' does attract butterflies and hummingbirds, aiding in the pollination of gardens.
- Photography: The distinctive color and texture of Heuchera 'Marmalade' foliage make it an excellent subject for macro photography, highlighting the beauty of garden plants.
- Cut Foliage: The leaves of Heuchera 'Marmalade' can be snipped and used in floral arrangements to provide a lasting splash of color indoors.
- Fairy Gardens: The small scale and ornamental nature of Heuchera 'Marmalade' make it a perfect addition to whimsical fairy gardens.
- Erosion Control: When used on slopes or in areas susceptible to erosion, the root system of Heuchera 'Marmalade' helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCoral Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCoral Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Versatility: Heuchera 'Marmalade', commonly known as Coral Bells, can thrive in various lighting conditions, symbolizing adaptability and versatility in life.
- Longevity: With the ability to live many years and endure through different seasons, Coral Bells represent long-lasting health and longevity.
- Attraction: The vibrant colors and bell-shaped flowers of Coral Bells symbolize attraction and charm, often attracting both the eyes of humans and various pollinators.
- Protection: Traditionally, some believed that Coral Bells had protective qualities, using them to ward off negativity or evil spirits.
- Harmony: The plant's natural ability to fit in well with other plants and its non-invasive nature signify a desire for peace and harmony in one's surroundings.
WaterCoral Bells ('Marmalade' Heuchera) need consistent moisture but do not like to be waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering about once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and soil drainage. In hotter, dryer periods, you might need to water a little more frequently, and less often in cooler, wetter conditions. Each watering session should involve roughly 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to reach the entire root zone.
LightCoral Bells prefer to be in a location that provides partial to full shade, especially in climates with hot summers. They thrive in dappled sunlight beneath trees or on the north side of buildings. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal to prevent the leaves from scorching while still providing enough light for vibrant foliage color.
TemperatureCoral Bells are hardy plants that can tolerate a range of temperatures. They do well in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, which are ideal for robust growth. However, they can survive temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 90°F. Extreme temperatures may cause stress to the plant, so it's best to place them where they can be somewhat protected from severe hot and cold.
PruningPruning Coral Bells involves removing any dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks to encourage neat growth and improve air circulation. This can be done at any time throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in early spring before new growth begins, to shape the plant and promote healthy new foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part compost is ideal for potting.
RepottingCoral Bells should be repotted every 2-3 years or if roots become crowded. Use a slightly larger pot to allow for growth.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells thrive in average humidity levels but can tolerate some dry air. They do not require high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright, indirect light with regular watering; avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Partial shade location with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
Coral Bells are suitable for USDA zones 4-9.
Life cycleHeuchera 'Marmalade', commonly known as Coral Bells, starts its life as a seed which germinates when conditions are favorable, typically in moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. After germination, the seedling develops a rosette of ruffled, colorful leaves ranging from deep orange to bronze-red. As the plant matures, it may produce tall, slender stems called inflorescences that bear small, bell-shaped flowers during late spring or early summer. Following pollination, typically by bees and other insects, these flowers can develop into dry fruits containing seeds that can be dispersed to propagate new plants. Coral Bells are perennial, meaning once established, they will return each year from the same root system, growing in size and foliage density. After several years, the clumps may become overcrowded, prompting division and replanting to rejuvenate the plant and encourage continued healthy growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Heuchera 'Marmalade', commonly known as Coral Bells, is often propagated by division, which is a straightforward and popular method for this perennial plant. Division should ideally be done in early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. The gardener should carefully lift the entire plant from the ground, ensuring to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Once lifted, the clump can be divided into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of roots, using a sharp knife or spade. These newly divided sections can then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were previously growing, spaced about a foot apart (approximately 30 centimeters) to allow for adequate growth. It is important to water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to establish them in their new locations.
