Coral Bells Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' (PBR) (Little Cutie Series)
ABOUT
The Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' is a charming perennial known for its vibrant and ornamental foliage. This particular variety has a delightful appearance with its rounded leaves that boast a range of colors throughout the seasons. The leaves emerge with a soft and silvery-pink tinge, adding a hint of sparkle to the garden. As the plant matures, the foliage evolves into a rich, deep purply-pink, which provides a striking contrast to the brighter, newer growth and contributes to the plant's overall visual appeal. Adding to its decorative nature, the leaves of Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' exhibit a lobed and slightly ruffled texture, giving the foliage a full and lush look. The leaf veins are often more pronounced and may be of a contrasting hue, which highlights the intricate patterns of the foliage and creates a sense of depth. Periodically, Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' will produce delicate bell-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stems. These flowers are typically cream or light pink in color, adding a touch of whimsy and a vertical element to the plant's structure. These flowering stems contrast nicely with the colorful leaves, making it a lovely addition to any garden space. Overall, the appearance of Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' is characterized by a tapestry of vibrant leaves and dainty flowers that together form a compact and attractive clump, creating an eye-catching display that can fit into a variety of garden designs, be it in a border, rock garden, or container. Its ever-changing leaf colors and pleasing textures make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add lasting interest to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot.
Common names
Heuchera 'Sugar Berry'
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity from ingesting Heuchera 'Sugar Berry'. Hence, no specific symptoms are associated with poisoning from this plant. However, it is always advisable to prevent ingestion of ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption, and individual allergic reactions or sensitivities could occur.
To pets
Coral Bells are not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. While they are not considered poisonous, it is usually recommended to keep an eye on pets to prevent them from chewing on plants. If a pet ingests a large quantity, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but significant toxicity is unlikely.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage â Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' is known for its colorful, rounded leaves that provide visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Compact Size â The Little Cutie Series plants are smaller and more compact, making them ideal for container gardens and small spaces.
- Low Maintenance â This perennial is easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established in an appropriate location.
- Drought Tolerant â Once established, Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' has a good tolerance for dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period â It features a long blooming period with delicate flowers that add an extra layer of interest.
- Versatile Plant â Suitable for a variety of garden uses, including borders, ground covers, and rock gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators â The flowers can attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer Resistant â Known to be less palatable to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Seasonal Interest â Provides year-round interest due to its semi-evergreen nature, depending on the climate.
- Easy Propagation â Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to create more plants for different areas of their garden or to share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft Projects: Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' leaves can be used in crafting, such as pressing them into bookmarks or greeting cards for their attractive veined patterns and vibrant colors.
- Photography Subject: Due to its unique foliage and delicate flowers, the plant can be a beautiful subject for botanical photographers looking to capture the textures and colors in a garden setting.
- Living Mulch: The dense foliage of Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' can act as a living mulch, covering the soil and helping to retain moisture while suppressing weeds.
- Fairy Gardens: The small size and ornamental qualities of Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' make it suitable for use in fairy gardens, providing a colorful backdrop or as a feature plant.
- Container Accents: This Heuchera's compact growth habit and colorful foliage make it a good choice for adding visual interest in mixed container plantings, especially among green foliage plants.
- Tabletop Decorations: With their attractive foliage, cut Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' leaves can be used to create natural and vibrant decorations for table settings or events.
- Education: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about the variations of leaf morphology, coloration in plants, and perennial plant life cycles.
- Borders in Small Gardens: Due to its petite size, Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' is particularly useful in creating borders or edging in small garden spaces without overwhelming other plants.
- Theme Gardens: Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' can be included in a theme garden, such as a purple-hued garden, given its purple and silver foliage.
- Seasonal Displays: The seasonal changes in the foliage color of the Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' make it an interesting candidate for seasonal displays in gardens that focus on autumnal colors.
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- Endurance and Strength: Often, Heuchera is associated with resilience as the plant can withstand tough conditions and still thrive, signifying the ability to persevere through hardships.
- Variety and Uniqueness: The 'Sugar Berry' variety, with its unique coloration and texture, exemplifies diversity and the beauty found in being different.
- Everlasting Beauty: As a perennial, Heuchera symbolizes lasting beauty and eternal grace, often remaining attractive throughout the seasons.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not soggy soil, particularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. In general practice, you should water Coral Bells with about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Adjust watering based on weather conditions, more in extreme heat or during dry spells, and less during cool or rainy periods. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. It's best to water the plant at the soil level to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightCoral Bells prefer to be planted in a spot with partial shade, especially in the afternoon, to protect them from intense sunlight. They can tolerate morning sun and dappled sunlight throughout the day, which is crucial for vibrant foliage color. A location that offers protection from the hot midday and afternoon sun will help keep the leaves from scorching.
TemperatureCoral Bells are hardy and can endure temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit but also thrive in temperatures ranging between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of higher temperatures, but consistently hot temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may cause stress. Ideal conditions include a climate with cooler summers and not too harsh winters.
PruningPruning Coral Bells involves removing any damaged or dead foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. This is best done in early spring or as needed throughout the growing season. Light pruning encourages denser growth and may improve the form of the plant. Typically, major pruning is not required, but an annual tidy up can keep your Coral Bells looking their best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells prefer well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a high organic matter content. A good mix would be one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand. Aim for a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingCoral Bells typically need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells thrive best in moderate humidity levels, but are quite adaptable to variations. Average indoor humidity levels are generally suitable, avoiding extremes that are too dry or too humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera 'Sugar Berry', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of light and temperature. The seedling stage follows, with the sprout developing true leaves and a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows in foliage, forming a mound of heart-shaped, colorful leaves. The plant then matures and enters the flowering stage, producing tall, slender stems with small bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds are set, which can disperse to start new plants, while the parent plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, before regrowing in the spring. Throughout its life, Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' can also reproduce vegetatively through division, allowing gardeners to propagate new plants from mature clumps.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Heuchera 'Sugar Berry', which is a member of the Little Cutie Series, is by division. This is often done in late winter or early spring just before new growth begins. Gardeners can gently lift the plant out of the ground with a spade, taking care not to damage the crown. Once the plant is out, the clump should be carefully pulled apart into smaller sections, making sure that each new section has at least one growth point or bud. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Watering thoroughly after replanting helps to establish the divisions. This simple and effective method ensures that the unique qualities of the Heuchera 'Sugar Berry' are maintained.
