Coral Bells Heuchera 'Smokey Rose'
ABOUT
The Heuchera 'Smokey Rose', commonly known as Coral Bells, is a striking perennial plant known for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers. The leaves of 'Smokey Rose' have a unique appearance, showcasing a smoky purple hue with an underlying tone of rosy pink. The leaves themselves are notably rounded and scalloped along the edges, creating a textured look that adds visual interest to any garden space. The foliage has a subtle veining which often appears slightly lighter or darker, contributing to the smokey effect of the leaves' coloring. Complementing its beautiful leaves, the Coral Bells produce tall, slender stalks that bear small, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms are usually found in colors ranging from creamy white to soft pink, contrasting elegantly against the boldness of the foliage. The plant has a mounding habit, with the leaves forming a neat, low-growing clump from which the delicate flowering stalks arise, creating a layered, dimensional display. When in bloom, the wispy flower stems add a touch of whimsy and a light, airy texture. Overall, the Heuchera 'Smokey Rose' is prized for its ornamental value, bringing a touch of elegance and charm to the landscape with its alluring combination of foliage and flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot.
Common names
Heuchera 'Smokey Rose'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Coral Bells, of which Heuchera 'Smokey Rose' is a variety, is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the Coral Bells plant does not typically result in poisoning or any harmful symptoms. Therefore, there are no specific consequences associated with ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
Coral Bells, including the variety Heuchera 'Smokey Rose', is also not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are typically no symptoms of poisoning associated with ingestion of this plant by pets, and as a result, no particular consequences are expected if a pet consumes parts of the Coral Bells plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet 6 inches (45.72 cm)
Spread
1 feet 6 inches (45.72 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Heuchera 'Smokey Rose', commonly known as Coral Bells, has uniquely colored leaves that add visual interest to a garden throughout the growing season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Coral Bells are relatively drought-tolerant, making them suitable for gardens in drier climates or areas with water restrictions.
- Low Maintenance: Coral Bells require minimal care once they are properly established, making them a convenient choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: They can thrive in a variety of light conditions, including partial shade, where other plants might struggle.
- Seasonal Interest: Coral Bells provide year-round interest with their evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, and they bloom in late spring to early summer.
- Attracts Pollinators: The delicate bell-shaped flowers of Coral Bells attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Versatility: They are suitable for borders, rock gardens, container plantings, and as ground covers, offering versatile design options.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edging for walkways: 'Smokey Rose' coral bells can add texture and color as a refined border alongside garden pathways.
- Photography backdrop: The plant's foliage can serve as an attractive, muted background for close-up photography of insects or other plants.
- Crafting: Leaves of the 'Smokey Rose' coral bells can be used as natural stencils or patterns for arts and crafts projects.
- Seasonal decorations: Its foliage can be incorporated into fall and winter decorative arrangements, adding a unique texture and color contrast.
- Container gardening: They make excellent additions to potted arrangements, providing a splash of color and texture in mixed containers.
- Wedding decor: The subtle tones of 'Smokey Rose' coral bells can complement floral arrangements for weddings and other events.
- Thematic gardens: It can be integrated into gothic or moody garden themes, thanks to its dark foliage.
- Erosion control: The plant can help stabilize soil on slopes in the garden with its dense root system.
- Culinary presentations: While not commonly eaten, the leaves can be used as a decorative garnish on plates for a sophisticated presentation.
- Art inspiration: The distinctive leaves of the 'Smokey Rose' coral bells can inspire patterns and colors in textile design, painting, and other forms of visual arts.
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- Durability: Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, often symbolizes durability due to its hardy nature and ability to withstand various conditions.
- Variety and Versatility: With its wide range of colors and patterns, Coral Bells represent diversity and adaptability, reflecting the plant's ability to thrive in different environments and garden designs.
- Attraction: The bell-shaped flowers of the Coral Bells plant are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, symbolizing allure and magnetism.
- Balance: The foliage of Heuchera 'Smokey Rose' suggests a sense of balance and harmony in the garden, given its mounded form and symmetry.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the hot summer months, they may require additional water, so checking the soil moisture every few days is crucial. Provide about one to one and a half gallons of water per plant each time you water, ensuring even distribution around the base without wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Adjust the amount of water according to weather conditions, less during rainy periods, and more during dry spells.
LightCoral Bells thrive in a location with partial shade to full shade. They prefer morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoiding intense midday sun is essential, as it can scorch the delicate foliage of the plant.
TemperatureCoral Bells prefer a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal conditions are moderate temperatures without extreme heat or frost, which means they do well in most temperate climates.
PruningCoral Bells should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to encourage fresh growth. Pruning is usually done in the early spring or after blooming, depending on the condition of the plant. Cut off spent flower stalks after blooming to keep the plant looking tidy and redirect energy to the foliage and root systems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingCoral Bells should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to provide fresh soil and to divide if necessary for propagation.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells thrive best with moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier air found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells in bright, indirect light indoors and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Coral Bells in partial shade and protect from intense afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Coral Bells 'Smokey Rose' (Heuchera 'Smokey Rose') starts life as a seed, which, once germinated, will develop into a small rosette of basal leaves. Over time, these leaves grow larger and develop the plant's characteristic silver-grey foliage with dark purple veins. In its second or third year, 'Smokey Rose' reaches maturity and begins its reproductive phase, producing tall, slender stalks topped with small bell-shaped flowers in spring or early summer, which attract pollinators and may lead to seed formation if properly fertilized. After flowering, the plant may go through a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it dies back to the crown and then regrows from the stored energy in the roots with the return of warm weather. The plant continues its life cycle annually by regrowing foliage, flowering, and potentially setting seeds, with individual plants often living for several years. As a perennial, 'Smokey Rose' can also be propagated vegetatively via division to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent, thereby continuing its lifecycle beyond the lifespan of any single plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Heuchera 'Smokey Rose', commonly known as Coral Bells, is best propagated through division. This method is typically performed in the spring or fall when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire Coral Bells plant and gently pull apart the clumps into smaller sections, each with a share of roots. These divisions should be replanted at the same depth they were growing at previously and spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow adequate space for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This technique allows gardeners to quickly expand their collection of Coral Bells while maintaining the characteristics of the 'Smokey Rose' cultivar.
