Coral Bells Heuchera 'Rachel'

Water

Coral Bells should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It's best to water these plants in the morning to reduce evaporation and give the foliage time to dry out, which helps prevent disease. Aim to provide about one inch of water, which equals roughly 0.6 gallons, each time you water. Adjust your watering schedule depending on weather conditions, watering more during hot, dry periods and less during cooler, rainy spells. It is essential not to overwater, as Coral Bells do not like to sit in soggy soil.

Light

Coral Bells thrive best in partial shade, especially in the afternoon, to protect them from the intense sun. They can tolerate morning sunlight, which is gentler. The ideal spot for Coral Bells would be under a canopy of open trees or on the east-facing side of a building where they receive some morning sunlight but are shaded during the hotter part of the day.

Temperature

Coral Bells prefer a temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are generally hardy and can tolerate a little frost. Ideally, maintain a moderate temperature environment for optimum growth and health of the plant.

Pruning

Coral Bells require pruning to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to encourage a more compact growth habit. The best time to prune is in early spring or after flowering. Pruning can be done as often as needed throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking tidy. Remove faded flower stalks to encourage additional blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Coral bells, commonly referred to as Heuchera 'Rachel', thrive best in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. A mix containing equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand works well. The ideal soil pH for coral bells is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Coral bells, or Heuchera 'Rachel', generally need repotting every 3 to 4 years. The best time to repot is in the spring when they are emerging from dormancy, and their roots can quickly acclimate to the new soil without stressing the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Coral bells, also known as Heuchera 'Rachel', prefer average to high humidity levels. They do well in a garden environment with natural humidity and do not require additional humidity control if planted outdoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light, and let soil dry slightly.

• Outdoor

  Full to partial shade, well-drained soil, mulch root zone.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Coral Bells 'Rachel' (Heuchera 'Rachel') begins with seed germination, occurring in warm and moist conditions, typically in spring. Following germination, seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with characteristic basal rosettes of foliage; during this stage, they establish a root system and begin photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it produces its distinctively ruffled and colorful leaves, reaching its full foliage potential usually within the first couple of years. In late spring to early summer, mature plants send up slender, upright stems called panicles that bear small, bell-shaped flowers attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, surviving as a perennial through its robust root system, before resuming growth in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• The Heuchera 'Rachel', commonly known as coral bells, is typically propagated by division. This is best done in spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants adequately to establish them. This division process rejuvenates older plants, which can become woody in the center, and helps to maintain the vigor and flowering performance of the coral bells.