Alum root 'Sweet Caroline' Heuchera 'Sweet Caroline' (Fox Series)
ABOUT
'Sweet Caroline' is a mound-forming, semi-evergreen perennial spreading to 45cm wide. Its bright, yellow and green foliage deepens to lime green in summer and takes on a silver cast in autumn and winter. Flower stems to 25cm tall bear salmon-pink flowers in summer
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Sweet Caroline'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Mixed
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- Ornamental Appeal: The Heuchera 'Sweet Caroline' adds aesthetic value to gardens with its attractive foliage that comes in various shades and textures.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and no deadheading.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Long Blooming Season: It has a relatively long blooming period, which can bring extended color to a garden space.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Heuchera 'Sweet Caroline' attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Versatility: It can be used in various garden settings, such as borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety can thrive in partially shaded areas, where many other plants might struggle.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: It is less palatable to deer and rabbits, which can help to reduce browsing damage in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest, with evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage that changes color through the seasons.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soil.
- Container Friendly: Suitable for growing in containers or pots, making it a versatile choice for patios and balconies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The vibrant foliage of Coral Bells can be used as an attractive backdrop or accent in close-up photography of smaller subjects, adding color and texture to the composition.
- Leaf Casting: Leaves of Coral Bells can be used in the process of leaf casting to create decorative art or stepping stones for gardens.
- Culinary Garnish: While not widely known for its culinary uses, the leaves of Coral Bells can occasionally be used as a colorful, edible garnish for salads and cold dishes.
- Leaf Print Art: The distinctive leaves of Coral Bells can be used to make leaf prints on fabric or paper, taking advantage of their intricate vein patterns.
- Miniature Gardens: Coral Bells is suitable for miniature fairy gardens due to its modest size and variety of leaf colors.
- Nature Crafts: Leaves from Coral Bells can be incorporated into nature crafts, such as handmade greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Floral Arrangements: The foliage of Coral Bells can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements to add texture and a splash of color.
- Color Themes: Coral Bells can be used in landscape designs to reinforce or contrast specific color themes due to their varied leaf hues.
- Educational Tool: Coral Bells can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, leaf structure, and color variation in foliage.
- Seasonal Decorations: Coral Bells leaves can be included in autumn arrangements and decorations because they often change color or deepen in hue during the fall.
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- Change and Variety: The Heuchera 'Sweet Caroline', commonly known as Coral Bells, comes in various colors and shapes, symbolizing the spice of life and variety.
- Attracting Positive Energy: Coral Bells are known for their bright foliage and delicate bell-shaped flowers, which are said to attract good spirits and positive energy to a garden.
- Protection: In folk traditions, some gardeners planted Coral Bells as they believed these plants could ward off negative forces and protect the home.
- New Beginnings: The blooming of the Coral Bells flowers signals the start of summer, often representing new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Gratitude: Giving someone a Coral Bells plant can be a symbol of heartfelt gratitude, owing to its enduring nature and lasting beauty.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week, depending on climate and weather conditions. It is important to avoid overwatering, so use about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water. During hot, dry spells, they may require additional water, but in cooler, wetter conditions, they may need less. Ensure the plant has good drainage to prevent root rot, and if grown in containers, check more frequently as these may dry out faster.
LightCoral Bells prefer partial shade where they can be protected from harsh afternoon sun, making them ideal for spots that receive morning sun and afternoon shade. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but may require more frequent watering. Bright, indirect light will help maintain vibrant foliage colors without scorching the leaves.
TemperatureCoral Bells thrive in a wide range of temperatures but prefer between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 80°F, but prolonged exposure to extremes can stress the plant. They are hardy to USDA zones 4 through 9, making them versatile in various garden settings.
PruningPrune Coral Bells to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to encourage a neat appearance, typically doing so in early spring or as needed throughout the growing season. Deadheading the spent flower stalks can promote additional blooming. The best time for a major cleanup of old leaves is in the spring, just as new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral bells (Heuchera 'Sweet Caroline') thrive in well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix can be created with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, compost, and perlite to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingCoral bells should be repotted every 3-4 years or when they outgrow their current container. It's a good time to divide the clumps if necessary and refresh the soil to provide nutrients for healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingCoral bells prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to various conditions. They do well in average home humidity levels, avoiding excessively dry or overly damp environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place coral bells in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera 'Sweet Caroline' (Coral Bells) begins its life as a seed, sowing in spring or autumn, germinating under warm conditions with adequate moisture. Once sprouted, the seedling grows into a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, gradually developing a deep taproot and a mounding habit. The plant reaches maturity in one to three years, during which it develops tall flowering stalks in late spring or early summer, with small bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, either self-seeding nearby or germinating elsewhere if conditions are favorable. Coral Bells are perennial plants that die back to the ground in winter in cold climates, with the root system surviving to regrow the following spring. Over several years, the clumps may become woody and overgrown, at which point they can be divided and replanted to rejuvenate the plant and encourage more vigorous growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Heuchera 'Sweet Caroline', also known as Coral Bells, is through division. This is ideally done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in full bloom. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up the entire plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into the garden or into pots with well-draining soil, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart, to allow for growth. Regular watering until the divisions are established will help them to thrive in their new locations.
