Coral Bells Heuchera 'Prince'
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Prince', often known by its common name Coral Bells, is admired for its striking foliage and decorative appeal. This cultivar boasts dark, foliage that can appear almost purple to near-black, creating a stunning contrast in the garden. The leaves are rounded with a gentle, lobed edge, giving them a ruffled texture that adds to their ornamental value. They have a glossy, metallic sheen which intensifies their dramatic coloration, making them stand out amongst other garden plants. Throughout the growing season, 'Prince' may produce delicate bell-shaped flowers on thin, erect stems that rise above the mound of foliage. The flowers are typically small and can range from creamy white to a subtle pink. These blooms add an airy touch to the dense foliage below and attract pollinators, such as hummingbirds and butterflies, into the garden. The overall effect of Heuchera 'Prince' in a landscape or garden setting is one of rich color and varied textures, contributing to a lush and vibrant planting scheme.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera micrantha 'Prince'
ToxicityTo humans
Heuchera 'Prince', commonly known as Coral Bells, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms associated with the ingestion of Coral Bells as they are not known to contain any toxic compounds expected to cause harm when ingested in normal, small quantities.
To pets
Coral Bells are also non-toxic to pets. There is no evidence to suggest that the plant poses a significant risk to animals if ingested. Therefore, the ingestion of Heuchera 'Prince' is not expected to cause any symptoms of poisoning in pets. However, it is always wise to monitor pets and prevent them from ingesting large amounts of any non-food plants, as they could potentially cause an upset stomach or an allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
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
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Heuchera 'Prince' features striking purplish-black leaves that add color and texture to garden landscapes.
- Year-Round Interest: This variety of Coral Bells provides visual interest throughout all seasons with its evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Coral Bells typically require less water and can tolerate periods of drought.
- Shade Tolerance: Heuchera 'Prince' is well-suited for shady spots where many other plants may struggle to thrive.
- Low Maintenance: Coral Bells are generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care once settled in the right environment.
- Versatility: This plant is versatile and can be used in various garden settings, including borders, containers, and as ground covers.
- Long Blooming: Heuchera 'Prince' typically has a long blooming period, providing delicate bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Coral Bells are often resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, making them a good choice for gardens plagued by these animals.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Accent: The Heuchera 'Prince', also known as Coral Bells, with its striking foliage, provides a beautiful contrast in macro or close-up plant photography, enhancing the visual appeal of the photo.
- Fairy Gardens: The intricate leaves and often colorful foliage of Coral Bells make them an excellent plant for creating whimsical landscapes in miniature fairy gardens.
- Leaf Castings: The textured leaves of Coral Bells can be used to make decorative leaf castings for garden art or stepping stones.
- Educational Model: Botany teachers may use the diverse foliage of Coral Bells to show leaf structure and variation to students.
- Crafting: The leaves of Coral Bells can be pressed and used in crafting, such as in handmade paper or botanical prints.
- Border Definition: Planting Coral Bells along pathways or flower bed edges helps define borders with their mounded foliage.
- Theme Gardens: Due to their royal appearance, Coral Bells can be used in theme gardens that have a "royal" or "princely" concept.
- Container Combinations: Coral Bells are a favored filler plant for container arrangements due to their colorful leaves that complement blooming flowers.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the attractive leaves of Coral Bells can be used as garnishes for plating upscale dishes, after ensuring they are safe and pesticide-free.
- Creative Writing Inspiration: Gardeners or writers might draw inspiration from the beauty of Coral Bells for poetry, stories, or any creative writing focused on nature and gardens.
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- Longevity and Timelessness: The Heuchera 'Prince', commonly known as Coral Bells, features robust foliage that persists across seasons, symbolizing enduring essence and the ability to withstand time.
- Fascination and Intrigue: With its ruffled dark purple leaves, Coral Bells evoke a sense of deep fascination and mystery, similar to how royal attire might captivate an audience.
- Versatility and Adaptability: Though exquisite, Coral Bells are hardy plants, representing an ability to adapt to various circumstances while maintaining beauty and grace.
- Attraction and Allure: The tiny bell-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage of Coral Bells are symbolic of the enticing allure of the understated, drawing in admirers with subtle charm.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered deeply and thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once a week, but the frequency can vary depending on weather conditions such as heat and wind, which may accelerate drying. Aim to provide the equivalent of about 1 inch of rainfall, or approximately half a gallon per square foot every week during the growing season. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of leaf diseases. During winter, reduce watering since the plant requires less moisture when it's not actively growing.
LightCoral Bells thrive best in part shade to full shade conditions. They should be situated in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day. Avoid placing Coral Bells in the intense afternoon sun, as this can scorch their delicate leaves. A location under a canopy of trees or on the north or east side of a building is ideal for meeting their light requirements.
TemperatureCoral Bells prefer a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F for optimal growth, but they are hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about -25°F. They can also survive in temperatures up to 85°F, although prolonged heat may stress the plant. It's important to provide a mulch layer to help insulate the root zone during extreme cold conditions.
PruningCoral Bells should be pruned to remove any damaged or dead foliage and to promote a tidy habit. It’s best to prune in the early spring or after the flowering period to maintain plant vigor and aesthetic appeal. Occasional trimming of spent flower stalks can encourage more blooms. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis rather than on a strict schedule.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral bells (Heuchera 'Prince') require well-draining soil with a mix of organic matter such as peat, compost, or pine bark. It thrives in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A recipe for an ideal soil mix could be one part garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure drainage.
RepottingCoral bells (Heuchera 'Prince') should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it is visibly outgrowing its pot. The best time to repot is in the spring or autumn when the plant is not in active growth.
Humidity & MistingCoral bells (Heuchera 'Prince') enjoy moderate humidity levels. They do well in average household humidity but should be kept away from very dry air. A range of 40-50% relative humidity is favorable for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral bells in bright, indirect light indoors with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade for Coral bells outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Coral Bells 'Prince' (Heuchera 'Prince') begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or when it's propagated vegetatively from cuttings or division. Germination occurs under favorable conditions, and seedlings emerge to develop into juvenile plants. As they mature, these plants form characteristic mounds of ruffled, deep purple to almost black foliage. Throughout spring and summer, mature plants produce slender, erect stems that hold aloft small bell-shaped flowers, which are typically attractive to pollinators. After pollination, these flowers may produce seeds that can be dispersed to generate new plants. As a perennial, the Coral Bells 'Prince' will enter dormancy in the fall, with the foliage often remaining evergreen in milder climates, before re-emerging in the spring to repeat its growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Heuchera 'Prince', commonly known as Coral Bells, is effectively propagated through division during its growing season in spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring a generous amount of soil is kept around the roots to reduce stress. Use a sharp and sterile knife or spade to split the plant into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a sufficient root system. It is critical to replant the divisions promptly at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation is favored as it not only creates new plants that are true to the parent but also invigorates the original plant by reducing overcrowding.
