Coral Bells Heuchera 'Walnut' (Fox Series)
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Walnut' from the Fox Series is a captivating ornamental perennial known for its vibrant foliage and delicate blooms. The plant boasts rounded leaves that exhibit a stunning array of colors, often presenting a mix of deep purples, rich ambers, and warm browns, mimicking the varied hues of a walnut shell. These leaves can have a slightly ruffled texture, which adds visual interest and complexity to the foliage. Throughout the growing season, the coloration of 'Walnut' leaves may change, displaying different shades and intensities of color at various times of the year. This characteristic makes it a dynamic addition to garden spaces, as it provides evolving beauty across the seasons. In contrast to its richly colored leaves, the plant produces delicate flowers that rise above the foliage on thin, wiry stems, creating a light and airy display. These blossoms are typically small and bell-shaped, often in tones of creamy white or pale pink. They form a subtle and charming contrast against the boldness of the leaves, adding a layer of texture and color that enhances the overall appearance of the plant. The mounding habit of Heuchera 'Walnut' creates a lush and full appearance, making it not only a standout specimen in a garden bed but also an excellent choice for mass plantings or as a border plant. Its colorful foliage and dainty flowers work well in both formal and informal garden designs, and it can serve as a striking complement to other plants with green or variegated foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Walnut'.
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells, commonly known by their botanical genus Heuchera, are not known to be toxic to humans. If ingested, they do not typically cause harmful effects, so poisoning from this plant is uncommon. Therefore, the Heuchera 'Walnut' does not pose significant health risks to humans in terms of toxicity.
To pets
Coral Bells are also generally considered non-toxic to pets. They are not known to contain any compounds that are harmful to dogs or cats if ingested. As a result, the Heuchera 'Walnut' is not expected to cause poisoning or adverse health effects in pets. However, it's always best to prevent pets from eating plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
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- Low Maintenance: Heuchera 'Walnut' requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its attractive foliage and flowers, it adds visual interest to garden beds and borders.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with its evergreen foliage in milder climates and seasonal color changes.
- Attracts Wildlife: The blooms can attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life to the garden.
- Versatile Gardening Uses: Suitable for container gardening, front-of-border placements, or as ground cover.
- Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to many common plant diseases, promoting a healthier garden.
- Adaptable: It can thrive in a range of soil types, from clay to loamy soils, as long as they are well-drained.
- Shade Tolerance: Can grow in full sun to part shade, making it a suitable plant for various light conditions.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some perennials, Heuchera 'Walnut' does not tend to be invasive and is easy to control in 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- Photography: The striking foliage of the Coral Bells can be used as an attractive background in close-up photography for macro shots and nature-inspired portraits.
- Educational tool: Coral Bells can be utilized in schools or educational programs to teach children about plant biology, hybridization, and horticulture practices.
- Art inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the intricate patterns and colors of Coral Bells leaves for paintings, textile designs, or other forms of artwork.
- Bioindicators: Coral Bells may serve as bioindicators in ecological studies to signal soil health and the microclimate conditions of an area.
- Theme gardens: Coral Bells can be part of a theme garden, such as a 'chocolate' or dessert-themed garden, because of its rich, dark foliage resembling certain foods or flavors.
- Lighting effects: When strategically placed, the foliage of Coral Bells can be illuminated by garden lights to create dramatic nocturnal landscapes.
- Erosion control: Coral Bells can be planted on slopes or banks to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to their clumping growth habit.
- Green roofs: The hardy nature of Coral Bells makes them suitable for planting on green roofs, where they can endure the extreme conditions.
- Larval host plant: Coral Bells can serve as a host plant for the larvae of certain butterfly species, thereby supporting local biodiversity.
- Culinary garnish: Although not widely known for culinary uses, the leaves of Coral Bells can sometimes be used as a non-toxic garnish for plates, adding a splash of color and interest to gourmet dishes.
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: The Heuchera 'Walnut' is known for its robustness and ability to withstand various conditions, symbolizing strength and endurance.
- Versatility: With its adaptability to different environments, the Heuchera 'Walnut' represents flexibility and the ability to thrive in various circumstances.
- Beauty: The attractive foliage of the Heuchera 'Walnut' symbolizes natural beauty and appreciation for the aesthetic.
WaterCoral bells should be watered deeply enough to saturate the root zone, then allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering. Typically, this means you should water the plant once a week with about 1 inch of water, depending on climate and soil conditions. During the hot, dry months, you may need to water more frequently, especially if you're growing your coral bells in containers. In cooler weather or if there is significant rainfall, scale back watering to prevent waterlogging. It's essential not to overwater, as coral bells are susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.
LightCoral bells thrive best in partial shade, especially in the afternoon when the sun is most intense. They can tolerate morning sunshine but should be shielded from strong, direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. A spot that receives filtered sunlight or light shade throughout the day is ideal for maintaining the vibrant foliage colors.
TemperatureCoral bells prefer a temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. They are hardy in a range of climates and can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's crucial to protect the plant from extreme cold or heat to ensure its health and longevity.
PruningPrune coral bells to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to encourage a bushy, compact growth habit. The best time for pruning is in the spring or right after blooming. Trimming off faded flower stalks will not only improve the appearance but can also promote additional blooming. Pruning is typically needed once annually, but you can also clean up the plant as needed throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells 'Walnut' thrive in well-drained soil with a mix of two parts peat moss to one part perlite and one part garden soil; they prefer a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCoral Bells 'Walnut' should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells 'Walnut' do well in average room humidity but can tolerate a range from 40-50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coral Bells 'Walnut' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Place Coral Bells 'Walnut' in partial shade to full sun outside.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera 'Walnut', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil during spring or early summer. Once the seedling emerges, it develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface; during this juvenile phase, root establishment is critical. In its second year and each subsequent year, Coral Bells enter a vegetative stage, where foliage expands and the plant focuses on growth, storing energy in the rhizomes. As a perennial, Coral Bells reaches maturity when it begins to flower, typically by mid to late spring, producing bell-shaped flowers on slender stalks that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, potentially giving rise to new plants if conditions are favorable. Come fall and winter, the above-ground parts may die back, but the plant will remain alive underground, entering a period of dormancy until the warmth of spring prompts a new cycle of growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Heuchera 'Walnut', commonly known as Coral Bells, is most effectively propagated by division. This is best done in spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Coral Bells, ensuring that you preserve as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp knife or garden spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions promptly at the same soil depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Division not only helps to propagate these plants but also rejuvenates them, encouraging more vigorous growth and flowering.
