Coral Bells Heuchera sanguinea 'White Cloud' (v)
ABOUT
Heuchera sanguinea 'White Cloud' is commonly known as Coral Bells. This perennial plant is known for its attractive foliage and delicate bell-shaped flowers. The leaves of Coral Bells are rounded, with a lobed edge, and they often form a neat, low-growing mound with a vibrant green color, sometimes with a hint of silver or marbling, depending on the light and season. The beauty of the 'White Cloud' variety, in particular, lies in its stunning flower display. The flowers are an ethereal white color, with each tiny bloom resembling a miniature bell hanging daintily from slender, wiry stems. These flower stems rise above the foliage, creating a frothy cloud of white that floats above the leaves, giving this plant its 'White Cloud' name. Overall, the 'White Cloud' Coral Bells makes an elegant addition to any garden, with its contrasting foliage and graceful white flowers that skim the top of the plant, creating a soft and romantic look in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera sanguinea 'White Cloud'
ToxicityTo humans
Coral bells are generally not considered toxic to humans. They do not typically pose a risk when touched or ingested. However, as with any plant, it is possible that some individuals may have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to the plant, its sap, or pollen, which could result in irritation or an allergic response.
To pets
Coral bells are also not known to be toxic to pets. They are generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other animals if they happen to ingest parts of the plant. There is no known toxicity associated with coral bells, and they are not listed as a poisonous plant to pets. However, ingestion of any plant material can sometimes cause mild stomach upset in some animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: 'White Cloud' Heuchera adds ornamental value to gardens with its delicate white flowers and mounding foliage.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate other plants.
- Low Maintenance: Known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Versatile Placement: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and as groundcover, or in containers.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a prolonged display of blooms from late spring to early summer.
- Foliage Interest: Provides year-round foliage interest, with leaves that can change hues with the seasons.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Less palatable to deer and rabbits, protecting the garden from browsing.
- Shade Tolerance: Can thrive in part shade, providing options for gardeners with less sunny spots.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: The delicate white flowers of 'White Cloud' Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea 'White Cloud') can serve as a stunning, natural backdrop for macro and nature photography, adding aesthetic appeal to photos.
- Holiday Decoration: The small, bell-shaped blooms can be dried and used to create wreaths or incorporated into holiday ornaments, providing a rustic charm to festive decors.
- Garden Contrast: Using 'White Cloud' Coral Bells in a garden can create a contrast against dark-foliaged plants, making it an effective tool for garden designers to highlight areas or create depth.
- Educational Tool: Because of its distinct features, this plant can be used in educational settings to teach botany students about plant morphology and the variety of foliage and bloom types within the Heuchera genus.
- Art Inspiration: The intricate veins and subtle color gradient of the foliage provide inspiration for artists and can be used as a living subject for painting or other forms of art.
- Table Arrangements: Small clippings can be used as delicate additions to table arrangements or boutonnieres for events such as weddings or high tea parties.
- Pet Photography Prop: The low-growing nature of 'White Cloud' Coral Bells can make it a charming prop in pet photography, especially for capturing images of small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs.
- Ice Cubes Decoration: Freeze the tiny flowers into ice cubes to add an elegant and unique touch to summer drinks and cocktails.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not commonly eaten, the non-toxic flowers can potentially be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to salads and desserts (always verify edibility and absence of pesticides before consuming).
- Miniature Gardens: This compact plant can be a perfect addition to fairy or miniature gardens, providing scale-appropriate foliage and blooms for these whimsical creations.
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- Purity: The 'White Cloud' cultivar of Heuchera sanguinea features white flowers, which traditionally symbolize purity and innocence.
- Bright Hope: Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, often symbolizes bright hope due to its bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage that can brighten up any garden.
- Lasting Beauty: Coral Bells are known for their long-lasting foliage and flowers, representing enduring beauty and consistency.
- Vitality: With its vigorous growth habit, Coral Bells can symbolize vitality and a zest for life.
WaterCoral Bells, the common name of Heuchera sanguinea 'White Cloud', should be watered deeply once a week to encourage root growth. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice per week. Provide the plant with about 1 gallon of water at each watering session to ensure the soil is moistened thoroughly but not waterlogged. During winter, reduce the amount to half a gallon every other week, as the plant requires less moisture during cooler, dormant periods. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry to the touch, it's time to water the plant.
LightCoral Bells thrive in light conditions that include full sun to partial shade. Ideally, they should be placed in a location where they receive morning sunlight and are protected from the intense afternoon heat. Dappled sunlight under open trees or east-facing gardens are perfect spots for this plant to flourish without being exposed to harsh midday sun.
TemperatureCoral Bells prefer moderate temperatures and can typically survive in temperatures ranging from 50 to 80°F. They can endure temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F, but these extremes are not ideal for long-term health. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flourishing is between 60 and 70°F.
PruningPrune Coral Bells to remove any withered or damaged leaves and to maintain a tidy appearance. This is typically done in the spring or early summer to encourage new growth and improve air circulation. Pruning should also include the removal of old flower stems after blooming to encourage additional blooms later in the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells require well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix of one part garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal, ensuring adequate drainage and aeration. Adding organic matter such as compost can also promote healthy growth and flowering.
RepottingCoral Bells don't need frequent repotting and can be done every 3 to 4 years. They should be repotted when the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil has deteriorated, ensuring to refresh the soil mix to provide the nutrients needed for continued growth.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells perform best in moderate humidity conditions. They do not require the high humidity levels that some tropical plants do, making them suitable for typical indoor environments. However, ensuring good air circulation around the plants can help prevent any humidity-related issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera sanguinea 'White Cloud', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil with partial to full shade exposure. Germination occurs within several weeks, at which point seedlings develop a rosette of leaves at the soil level. As the Coral Bells mature, they produce heart-shaped, scalloped leaves on slender stems and in early to mid-summer, the plant sends up a tall flower stalk. The 'White Cloud' variety blooms with panicles of small, bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, allowing the cycle of growth to repeat itself. Throughout the seasons, the plant will experience periods of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where the foliage may die back before regenerating in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Heuchera sanguinea 'White Cloud', commonly known as Coral Bells, is frequently propagated by division during spring or fall. To do this, you would carefully dig up an established clump of Coral Bells and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each division has a good root system and at least one or two shoots. These divisions are then replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for ample growth. After planting, water the divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This method is particularly popular because it helps to rejuvenate older plants that may have become woody or less vigorous, and it allows gardeners to increase their stock of this attractive perennial.
