Coral Bells Heuchera 'Sashay'
ABOUT
The Heuchera 'Sashay' is commonly known as Coral Bells, which is a captivating perennial plant with distinct characteristics. Its foliage is particularly remarkable, featuring ruffled edges that provide a unique texture. The leaves exhibit a deep green color on top with prominent contrasting veins. What catches most eyes with this variety is the undersides of the leaves, which boast a rich purplish-red hue, adding to the plant's dramatic flair. Throughout the growing season, the color and texture of the leaves create a visually pleasing mosaic that stands out in garden settings. In addition to its foliage, Coral Bells produce delicate bell-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stems. The flowers can range in color but often appear in shades that complement the striking leaves. These tiny, subtle blooms attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, adding an element of life and motion to the garden. Overall, Heuchera 'Sashay' offers a combination of ornamental leaves and whimsical flowers, making it a versatile and attractive choice for gardeners looking to add texture and color to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot.
Common names
Heuchera 'Sashay'.
ToxicityTo humans
Coral bells are not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is no significant information suggesting that Heuchera 'Sashay', a variety of coral bells, contains any toxic components that would lead to poisoning if ingested. Therefore, while consumption of ornamental plants is not advisable, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant for humans.
To pets
Coral bells are generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. Heuchera 'Sashay', a cultivar of coral bells, is not known to have any poisonous properties that would harm cats, dogs, or other household pets if they ingest parts of the plant. Thus, there should be no symptoms of poisoning or toxic consequences from pets ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 8 inches (50 cm)
Spread
1 foot 8 inches (50 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Heuchera 'Sashay', commonly known as Coral Bells, offers ruffled, maroon-colored undersides of leaves, adding unique color contrast and texture to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Coral Bells require minimal care once established, making them an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Shade Tolerance: Coral Bells thrive in partially shaded areas, giving gardeners an attractive option for lower-light conditions.
- Long-Lasting Foliage: These plants provide year-round interest with evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage depending on the climate.
- Attracts Pollinators: The small bell-shaped flowers of Coral Bells attract hummingbirds and butterflies, beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Versatility: Suitable for container gardening, borders, ground cover, and woodland gardens, Coral Bells offer a range of landscaping uses.
- Seasonal Interest: They produce spikes of delicate flowers that add visual interest during their blooming season, typically in late spring to early summer.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The foliage of Coral Bells is not a preferred food source for deer and rabbits, helping to protect them from grazing.
- Non-Invasive: Coral Bells do not tend to spread aggressively, allowing them to coexist with other plants without overtaking gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The distinct ruffled foliage of Coral Bells provides a unique texture and color contrast that can make for interesting macro photography subjects.
- Educational Tool: Coral Bells can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to showcase plant adaptation, specifically how leaf coloration can vary as a survival mechanism.
- Livestock Forage: While not a common use, in some settings where traditional forage is scarce, Coral Bells might be considered as an emergency food source for livestock, though their nutritional value and palatability should be assessed.
- Art and Craft: Pressed leaves of Coral Bells can be used in botanical art and craft projects due to their unique shape and color.
- Erosion Control: Coral Bells can be planted on slopes and areas susceptible to erosion for their root systems to help hold the soil in place.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Coral Bells' variegated and often vibrant foliage can be incorporated into autumnal displays and decorations.
- Culinary Garnish: While not typically used for consumption, the leaves can occasionally serve as an ornamental garnish for culinary dishes.
- Leaf Casting: Create concrete or plaster casts of Coral Bells leaves to capture the intricate details for garden ornaments or home decorations.
- Dye Production: The pigments in Coral Bells leaves could theoretically be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts.
- Thematic Garden Design: Utilize Coral Bells in a themed garden, such as a 'Ruffle Garden,' showcasing plants with textured, ruffled, or pleated leaves.
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- Versatility: Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, is known for its adaptability, being able to thrive in various light and soil conditions, representing the ability to thrive in diverse environments.
- Attraction: With its vibrant and varied colored foliage, Coral Bells symbolize the allure and attraction, drawing attention from onlookers and bringing a unique flair to gardens.
- Longevity: Coral Bells are perennials, symbolizing endurance and long-lasting presence, reflecting the idea of permanence and longevity in relationships or endeavors.
- Harmony: The rounded mound shape of many Heuchera plants and the bell-shaped flowers often convey a sense of balance and harmony, embodying peaceful and aesthetically pleasing aspects of life.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered deeply at the base, avoiding overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases. The plant generally needs about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to encourage strong root growth.
LightCoral Bells thrive in a location with morning sunlight and afternoon shade or in full shade, particularly in hot climates. The best spot for Heuchera 'Sashay' is where they can receive filtered sunlight or dappled shade throughout the day. Avoid intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureCoral Bells prefer a temperature range between 50°F and 70°F and can survive minimum temperatures down to about -25°F, making them suitable for growing zones 4 to 8. Avoid placing them in locations where they'll be exposed to harsh winds or extreme heat. Ideal conditions include moderate temperatures with cool, shaded afternoons.
PruningCoral Bells require minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering, trimming back any spent flower stalks to promote a second bloom. Pruning can be done once or twice a year as necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells thrive in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter; a mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite is ideal. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingCoral Bells do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years or when they outgrow their container.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells prefer moderate humidity levels and can thrive in average household humidity without the need for misting or special measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright indirect light, well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and cool temps.
Outdoor
Part shade to full sun, moist well-drained soil, mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Heuchera 'Sashay', commonly known as Coral Bells or Sashay Heuchera, begins its life cycle with seed germination in spring or early summer if conditions are optimum, requiring well-draining soil that is moderately moist and partial shade. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants, establishing a rosette of ruffled leaves that are green with distinctive purple undersides. During its vegetative stage, Sashay Heuchera produces a robust root system and clumping foliage that grows larger each year. After the first year or two, it enters the reproductive stage, sending up tall flower stalks bearing small bell-shaped flowers in shades of white or pink, usually blooming from late spring to early summer. Pollination by insects such as bees allows for seed formation and dispersal, thus propagating the next generation of plants. In the fall, the plant prepares for winter dormancy, with foliage sometimes persisting through mild winters, and resumes growth the following spring, continuing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring to Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Heuchera 'Sashay', commonly known as Coral Bells, is through division. The ideal time to perform this is in the spring or early fall, when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep the root ball intact. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into smaller sections, each containing several shoots and a healthy portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (approximately 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and remove air pockets. This method ensures genetic consistency and a quick establishment of new Coral Bells plants.
