Coral Bells Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple'
ABOUT
Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple', commonly known as Palace Purple coral bells, is a visually striking plant primarily known for its distinct foliage. The leaves of this variety boast a rich, deep shade of purple, sometimes with an underlying bronzy tone that can change in intensity depending on the light. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a slightly ruffled texture, which adds depth and interest to their display. Despite the exclusion of specific size details, it's notable that the leaves form a neat, mounding clump, which creates an attractive look in garden beds and borders. The foliage's eye-catching color makes it a popular choice for creating contrast with greener plants or those with lighter-colored leaves. In addition to the spectacular leaves, Palace Purple coral bells also produce delicate, small flowers. These flowers are typically a creamy-white or light pink and bloom on tall, slender stems that rise above the foliage in late spring to early summer. The contrast between the frothy flowers and the robust leaves adds to the ornamental appeal of this garden staple. The overall impression of Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple' is one of luscious color and elegance, with a touch of wild charm lent by the loose arrangement of the flowers above the bold foliage. Its versatility and striking appearance make it a favored choice among gardeners looking to enhance the visual interest of their plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Hairy Alumroot, Coral Bells, Purple Coral Bells.
Common names
Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple'.
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are generally regarded as safe and non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are generally associated with Coral Bells.
To pets
Coral Bells are also considered non-toxic to pets, and there are no common reports of poisoning in domestic animals such as dogs and cats. If a pet were to ingest parts of the plant, it is unlikely to suffer from any serious consequences or display specific symptoms of toxicity due to Coral Bells. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Purple
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Southeastern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Coral Bells 'Palace Purple' has unique purple-bronze foliage, adding a striking color contrast in gardens.
- Easy Maintenance: It is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for water-conservation landscapes.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to the biodiversity of the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage, depending on the climate.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, from clay to sandy and acidic to neutral.
- Shade Tolerance: Coral Bells 'Palace Purple' can grow well in partial shade, providing color in less sunny spots.
- Container Gardening: It is suitable for pots and containers, allowing for flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Border Planting: Its mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for borders and edging in garden beds.
- Companion Planting: The plant works well when planted alongside other shade-loving perennials, creating a diverse understory.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, can be used in floral arrangements to provide a unique foliage contrast with its deep purple leaves.
- Coral Bells are suitable for underplanting larger plants in container gardens due to their compact habit and striking foliage.
- They can serve as a colorful ground cover in shaded garden paths or woodland areas, complementing the natural landscape.
- Coral Bells work well in rock gardens, offering a splash of color against the typically green and gray tones of such settings.
- Their resistance to deer and rabbit browsing makes them a practical choice for gardens in areas with active wildlife.
- They can be used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slight slopes because of their dense root systems.
- Coral Bells are often planted around the bases of trees to create a visually appealing "living mulch" that suppresses weeds.
- Due to their attractive foliage, they make an excellent backdrop for photographing other plants or garden features.
- When dried, the leaves of Coral Bells can be used in crafts for creating natural decorations or in potpourri mixes.
- Coral Bells can be used to teach children about plant cultivation and the importance of foliage color in garden design.
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- Enduring Beauty: The Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple', commonly known as the Coral Bells, boasts striking purple foliage that maintains its allure across seasons, symbolizing persistent and lasting beauty.
- Versatility: Coral Bells can thrive in various conditions, representing adaptability and versatility in both gardening and life.
- Attraction: With its bell-shaped flowers and vibrant leaves, it symbolizes allure and the ability to draw people and positive energy toward oneself.
WaterThe Coral Bells should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to approximately once a week, depending on environmental conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases, instead aiming the water at the base of the plant. During hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more frequently. An estimated amount of around 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant per watering session should suffice, adjusting for the plant size and weather conditions.
LightCoral Bells thrive best in part shade, appreciating some morning sun with protection from the hot afternoon rays. The ideal spot for 'Palace Purple' would provide dappled sunlight throughout the day or consistent filtered light. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this can result in less vibrant foliage color and reduced vigor.
TemperatureCoral Bells prefer a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F but can survive in temperatures as low as 25°F and as high as 80°F. They are generally hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. Providing mulch can help to stabilize root temperatures and protect the plant in extreme weather conditions.
PruningPrune Coral Bells to remove any damaged or withered leaves and spent flower stalks to maintain plant appearance and encourage new growth. This light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed, with a more thorough cleanup performed in early spring or late fall. The ideal time to prune extensively is when new growth begins to emerge.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Coral Bells, commonly known as 'Palace Purple', thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A suitable soil mix comprises one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand. The ideal soil pH for Coral Bells is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCoral Bells typically do not need frequent repotting; repotting every 3-4 years is sufficient to refresh the soil and provide more space if the clump has grown significantly.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions found in typical home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade and moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins with seed germination, typically emerging in cool, moist soil conditions. Seedlings develop into rosettes of ruffled, deep purple leaves that stick close to the ground and mature over the first growing season. In its second year, Coral Bells enter the vegetative stage, during which the plant grows vigorously and the foliage expands. In late spring to early summer, the reproductive stage commences as the plant sends up tall, slender flower stalks bearing small bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle, while the parent plant often transitions into a period of dormancy during colder months. With appropriate care, Coral Bells can be long-lived perennials, regenerating foliage each spring and repeating the flowering cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple', commonly known as Coral Bells, is most effectively propagated through division. The best time for this method is in the spring. Gently lift the plant from the ground, taking care not to damage the root system. The clumps of the Coral Bells can then be divided into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, and water them thoroughly. This gives each new plant a good start, and they typically resume growth quickly and can establish themselves in the new location before the onset of hotter summer temperatures or winter dormancy.
