Coral Bells Heuchera 'Venus'
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Venus' is a captivating perennial plant known for its distinctive foliage and decorative blooms. The standout feature of this variety is its leaves, which are heart-shaped and boast a unique pattern. The leaves have a silvery-green color with deep green veining creating a marbled effect that appears almost metallic. This silver sheen can make the foliage glisten in the sunlight, adding an eye-catching sparkle to garden beds or containers. During the blooming season, Heuchera 'Venus' produces delicate flowers that add to its ornamental appeal. These blooms are small, bell-shaped and typically arranged in loose clusters on slender stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers themselves are often a soft white or pale pink color, creating a subtle contrast with the striking leaves. In terms of its overall habit, Heuchera 'Venus' forms a mounded clump, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, edging, or for adding texture and variation in a mixed border. This plant is highly appreciated for its year-round interest, as the foliage remains attractive through multiple seasons and even under a blanket of snow, it can provide a splash of color to a winter landscape. The combination of its decorative leaves and charming flowers makes Heuchera 'Venus' a favored selection among garden enthusiasts for creating visually appealing compositions in outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Venus'.
ToxicityTo humans
Coral bells, the common name for Heuchera 'Venus', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not usually pose any health risks if touched or ingested in small quantities. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's always wise to avoid eating ornamental plants due to the potential for unpredictable reactions.
To pets
Coral bells are also considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. They are not known to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning in pets if ingested. As with humans, it's a good practice to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption to avoid any potential stomach upset or unforeseen reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 8 inches (50 cm)
Spread
1 foot 8 inches (50 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Heuchera 'Venus', commonly known as Coral Bells, features striking silver-veined green foliage, which adds a unique texture and color contrast to garden beds or containers.
- Long Blooming Season: Coral Bells produce delicate bell-shaped flowers on tall stems that bloom for an extended period, usually from late spring into summer, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Shade Tolerance: Coral Bells can thrive in partial to full shade, making them an excellent choice for underplanting beneath trees or in shaded areas of the garden where other plants might struggle.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Coral Bells are quite drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering, which makes them suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: They are generally resistant to deer and rabbits, so they can be a good option for gardens where wildlife browsing may be a concern.
- Easy to Grow: Coral Bells are known for being low maintenance and easy to care for, ideal for novice gardeners or those with limited time for garden upkeep.
- Versatility in Landscaping: The compact habit and mounding form make Coral Bells a versatile plant for border edges, groundcover, rock gardens, or container arrangements.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Coral Bells attract butterflies and hummingbirds, contributing to pollinator conservation and bringing wildlife to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye, Heuchera 'Venus', commonly known as Coral Bells, can provide a range of subtle earthy tones depending on the mordant used.
- Coral Bells dried leaves can be incorporated into potpourri for their interesting shapes and color retention, adding an aesthetic element to the mix.
- These plants can be used in a terrarium setup, particularly miniature cultivars, to create a lush, textured landscape under glass.
- Coral Bells' foliage can serve as subtle backdrop in food photography due to their varied and attractive leaf colors.
- Pressed leaves of Heuchera 'Venus' can be used in decorative crafts, such as greeting cards or bookmarks, for a natural touch.
- When planted near vegetable gardens, they can help in attracting beneficial insects that aid in pollination enhancing the yield of certain crops.
- The flowers can work as a delicate garnish for salads and desserts, though they should be used sparingly and only if known to be safe and free of pesticides.
- Heuchera 'Venus' can be used for educational purposes in schools or botanical studies to demonstrate leaf variegation and plant hybridization techniques.
- Can be used in intricate garden designs, such as knot gardens, due to their variety in leaf colors and textures.
- They may be used as a natural indicator plant for the health of a garden environment, as they show stress through changes in their leaf coloration.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Coral Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Coral Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Eternal Youth: Named after Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth, Heuchera often symbolizes eternal youth due to its perennials' ability to rejuvenate every spring.
- Varied Emotions: With its range of colors, Heuchera can represent the variety of emotions in life, reflecting the complex nature of our feelings.
- Balance: The 'Venus' variety, with its intricate foliage patterns, can symbolize the idea of balance and harmony in nature and life, similar to the balance the goddess Venus represents in mythology.
WaterCoral Bells, the common name for Heuchera 'Venus', prefer consistent moisture, so water them regularly to keep the soil from drying out completely. Generally, watering with approximately 1 gallon per week for each plant is recommended, but this may vary based on climate and soil conditions. During hot or dry spells, watering may need to be increased to maintain moist soil. However, it's crucial to ensure that the soil drains well and the plant is not left in standing water to prevent root rot. In the winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.
LightCoral Bells thrive best in partial shade, particularly in a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, which protects them from the harsh midday sun. These plants can also adapt to full shade, which makes them versatile for various garden locations. However, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, so if planted in a spot that gets intense sun, some sort of shade during the hottest hours should be provided.
TemperatureCoral Bells are hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures, usually surviving winter lows down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for thriving Coral Bells is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's crucial to protect them from extreme cold by mulching in the winter, especially if temperatures dip below their hardiness zone.
PruningCoral Bells require minimal pruning, typically done to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain their compact shape. The best time for pruning is in the spring, as new growth begins to emerge. Pruning once a year is generally enough to keep Coral Bells looking tidy. Deadheading the faded flowers can encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells (Heuchera 'Venus') thrive best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0. A suitable soil mix could be composed of one part garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingCoral Bells typically require repotting every 3 to 4 years. This helps to refresh the soil, provide nutrients, and manage the growth of the plant.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells prefer moderate humidity conditions and will thrive in typical household levels, avoiding excessively dry air or overly humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleCoral Bells 'Venus' begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown or grown vegetatively from tissue culture or division. It progresses to germination, typically in spring, where it develops roots and shoots. Once established, the plant enters a vegetative stage, producing a clump of scalloped, silvery leaves that can last for several years if conditions are favorable. Throughout spring to summer, the mature plant sends up slender, tall stems that bear small, bell-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators to the garden. After flowering, seeds develop and can disperse to start new plants, completing the generative phase of the cycle. During autumn and winter, Heuchera 'Venus' may go dormant, especially in colder climates, with growth resuming in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular way to propagate Heuchera 'Venus', commonly known as Coral Bells, is by division. This is best done in spring or fall when the plant is not in the stress of blooming or experiencing extreme hot or cold temperatures. Division involves gently digging up the entire plant, ensuring that you have a good clump of roots attached to each section. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the plant into smaller clumps, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These clumps can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at originally, spaced about a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and to encourage a healthy root system. This method is very effective as it also helps rejuvenate older clumps that might be getting woody in the center.
