Coral Bells Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy'
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy' is a captivating perennial known for its unique foliage and visual appeal in the garden. This plant boasts leaves that are intricately patterned resembling the craftsmanship of a quilt, which is where it likely gets its name. The leaves are often a kaleidoscope of colors, displaying hues that range from green to silver, with veins that can stand out in a contrasting color, sometimes a deep purple or red, adding dimension and interest. The foliage tends to be ruffled or slightly curled, giving a textural diversity to its appearance. Throughout the seasons, the coloration of the leaves may change, bringing dynamic visual interest as the weather shifts. The plant produces delicate flowers that rise above the mound of leaves on slender stems. These blossoms can be small and bell-shaped, typically found in colors such as white or pink, lending a soft, airy feel to the plant's overall structure and making it an excellent choice for adding a touch of whimsy to shaded garden spots. Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy' is often appreciated for its robust nature and the vibrant splash of color it brings to the understory of gardens or when planted en masse. Its distinctive foliage makes it an attractive option for gardeners looking to add perennial interest without relying on frequent blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy'
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of Coral Bells poisoning in humans, and the plant is not known to contain any dangerous toxins that could lead to serious health issues upon ingestion. Therefore, touching or accidentally ingesting parts of the Coral Bells should not cause any harmful effects. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or reactions are possible, so it's wise to exercise caution if you're sensitive to plants.
To pets
Coral Bells are also considered non-toxic to pets. They are not known to contain substances that are harmful to dogs or cats if ingested. Thus, Coral Bells are generally safe to have around pets, and there should be no toxic consequences even if a pet chews on or ingests parts of this plant. It's always a good practice to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating 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
Varies
Flower color
Varies
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 'Quilter's Joy', commonly known as Coral Bells, has unique and colorful foliage that adds visual interest to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of Heuchera is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance and occasional pruning of spent leaves.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Coral Bells are drought tolerant, making them suitable for gardens with low water availability or xeriscaping.
- Long-Lived Perennial: Coral Bells are perennials that can live for many years in the right conditions, providing long-term color and texture in a garden setting.
- Pest Resistance: They are generally resistant to common garden pests, ensuring their foliage remains unblemished.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Coral Bells attract hummingbirds and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination and enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy' can thrive in partially shaded areas where other plants may struggle, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Versatile Plant: Suitable for container gardening, borders, or as a ground cover, Coral Bells offer versatility in garden design and placement.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop - The striking foliage of Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy' can provide an attractive background for close-up photography of insects and other small creatures.
- Pressed Flower Art - Leaves from Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy' can be pressed and used in craft projects such as creating bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art.
- Fairy Gardens - Because of its compact size and ornamental leaves, this plant can be incorporated into fairy gardens to create a whimsical landscape in miniature.
- Educational Tool - The diverse colors and patterns on the leaves make this plant a useful specimen for teaching about plant variation and leaf pigmentation in biology classes.
- Textile Dyeing - Historically, some Heuchera species have been used for dyeing fabrics, and 'Quilter's Joy' could potentially be explored for its natural dye properties.
- Garden Markers - Dried stems of Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy' can be fashioned into natural garden markers for labeling other plants in a garden bed.
- Leaf Rubbings - Children can use the textured leaves of this plant to make leaf rubbings with paper and crayons as a creative learning activity.
- Ink Making - The pigmented leaves may be utilized for making natural inks for art or calligraphy purposes.
- Floristry - While not a traditional cut flower, the foliage of Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy' can be used in floral arrangements for added texture and interest.
- Nature-Inspired Decor - The leaves of this Heuchera can inspire patterns and color schemes for interior design, such as fabric prints or wallpaper designs.
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, commonly known as Coral Bells, often symbolizes enduring beauty due to its distinctive foliage that adds color and texture to gardens throughout multiple seasons.
- Variety and Diversity: With the 'Quilter's Joy' variety showcasing a tapestry of foliage colors, it can represent the value of diversity and the beauty it brings to the landscape, similar to how different fabrics enhance a quilt.
- Balance and Contrast: Coral Bells achieve a balance between their delicate bell-shaped flowers and robust leaves, symbolizing the importance of balance and contrast in our lives.
WaterHeuchera 'Quilter's Joy', commonly known as Coral Bells, should be watered deeply when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Normally, this may be about once a week, but the frequency can decrease during cooler weather or increase in very hot conditions. It's important to avoid waterlogging the soil, so ensure that the pot or ground where the plant is located has good drainage. Depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions, a good rule of thumb is to provide the Coral Bells with about one gallon of water every week during the active growing season, adjusting as necessary for rainfall and temperature changes.
LightCoral Bells prefer to be grown in conditions with partial shade to full sun, but they do best with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight all day. This ensures protection from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. The ideal spot for Coral Bells would be an area that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day.
TemperatureCoral Bells thrive in a wide range of temperatures but favor a cooler climate, with ideal temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, although prolonged exposure to the extremes can be stressful for the plant.
PruningCoral Bells require minimal pruning; they can be tidied up by removing any dead or damaged foliage throughout the year. After the flowering season, the flower stalks can be cut back to encourage a tidy habit and possibly a second bloom. Pruning is best done in early spring or after the plant has finished blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells 'Quilter's Joy' thrives in well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part garden loam is ideal. Amending with compost can improve soil structure and provide nutrients.
RepottingCoral Bells 'Quilter's Joy' typically need repotting every 3 to 4 years, or when they outgrow their container or the soil becomes compacted. Early spring is the best time to repot to minimize stress.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells 'Quilter's Joy' prefer moderate humidity levels, but they are tolerant of a wide range. Aim for a humidity level between 40-50% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells 'Quilter's Joy' near a window with bright, indirect light inside.
Outdoor
Plant Coral Bells 'Quilter's Joy' in partial shade and protect from hot sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera 'Quilter's Joy', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil under partial shade conditions, usually in spring or early summer. Once sprouted, the seedling grows into a rosette of leaves at ground level. Throughout the growing season, it develops a sturdy root system and may produce its first set of flowers on tall, slender stems. In subsequent years, the perennial plant matures and forms a larger clump with more flower stalks, blooming annually with delicate bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seeds which can be dispersed to produce new plants. As a perennial, Coral Bells dies back to the ground in winter, with the roots remaining dormant until the warmth of spring prompts new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Heuchera 'Quilter's Joy', commonly known as Coral Bells, can be propagated through several methods, but division is the most popular and effective way. The ideal time to propagate Heuchera by division is in spring or early fall when the plant is not in full bloom, allowing it to establish roots in the cooler temperatures without the stress of supporting flowers. To divide Heuchera, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to keep a significant amount of root with each section. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into smaller clumps, each with several leaves and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions promptly at the same soil level as they were previously and water them well, providing about an inch (approximately 2.54 centimeters) of water to help settle the soil around the roots and eliminate any air pockets. It's important not to bury the crown of the plant, as this can lead to rot. With proper care, these divisions will grow into new Heuchera plants that retain the characteristics of 'Quilter's Joy'.
