Coral Bells Heuchera 'Zipper' (PBR)
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Zipper' is a striking perennial plant known for its vibrant foliage and delicate flowering spires. The leaves of this plant are a true visual delight; they exhibit an ever-changing palette as they mature, starting from a bright orange-yellow hue and progressing to a rich shade of amber. Each leaf is uniquely lobed with gently ruffled edges, adding an ornamental touch to the plant’s overall texture. During the growing season, you can expect the foliage to further impress with hints of olive and gold tones melding harmoniously together. Beyond its vivid leaves, Heuchera 'Zipper' produces delicate flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stems. These flowers are typically arranged in airy, panicle-like clusters that can add a soft, eye-catching contrast to the more solid presence of the leaves below. The blooms are usually a subtle cream or pale pink color, offering a visual spectacle that appeals to gardeners and pollinators alike. As with many plants in its family, Heuchera 'Zipper' exhibits a clumping habit, which makes it a preferred choice for garden borders, rockeries, and as a ground cover. The way the plant's rosettes of leaves spread provides fullness and color, making it an attractive option for creating visually interesting spaces in a wide variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot.
Common names
Heuchera 'Zipper' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting Coral Bells, and they are not commonly listed as a harmful plant. Therefore, accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause serious harm, but as with any non-food plant, it is advisable to avoid consumption and to keep plants out of the reach of small children who might chew on them.
To pets
Coral Bells are not known to be toxic to pets. They are not listed on common toxic plant databases for dogs or cats and there should be no significant risk if pets accidentally ingest small quantities. However, as a standard precaution, it is always recommended to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption, to avoid the potential for gastrointestinal upset or an unexpected allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Cream
Height
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Heuchera 'Zipper' is a low-maintenance plant, ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Year-round interest: This variety of coral bells offers unique, evergreen foliage that adds color to the garden in all seasons.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, the plant is quite tolerant of dry conditions, requiring minimal watering.
- Attracts wildlife: The flowers of the plant attract hummingbirds and butterflies, beneficial for pollination.
- Shade tolerance: It thrives in part shade, making it a great choice for underplanting and shaded garden areas.
- Versatile: 'Zipper' can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and rock gardens.
- Distinctive foliage: The plant boasts unique, ruffled leaves that are a mix of orange, pink, and yellow hues.
- Low-growing habit: The compact size makes it perfect for small spaces and to provide ground cover without overwhelming other plants.
- Suitable for cut flowers: Its delicate flowers can be used in floral arrangements.
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 distinct foliage of Coral Bells can be used as a vivid backdrop in macro photography, highlighting the intricate patterns and colors of insects or other small subjects.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use Coral Bells to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and horticultural practices in a hands-on way.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the unique leaf colors and textures of Coral Bells for paintings, textile designs, and other visual art forms.
- Fairy Gardens: Coral Bells's mounded form and vibrant leaves make an excellent addition to whimsical fairy garden compositions.
- Erosion Control: When planted en masse, the root systems of Coral Bells can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Ice Dyeing: The leaves of Coral Bells can be used in ice dyeing, a technique for creating patterns on fabric by melting ice that has been mixed with dye over the material.
- Seasonal Decor: The leaves of Coral Bells can be incorporated into fall or winter displays and wreaths for a pop of color in seasonal decor.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly eaten, the leaves of Coral Bells could potentially be used as a colorful garnish for culinary presentations.
- Craft Projects: Pressed leaves of Coral Bells can be used in scrapbooking, card making, or other paper crafts to add natural elements and texture.
- Living Mulch: Coral Bells plants can serve as a living mulch, covering the ground and helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds around other plants.
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: Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, symbolize endurance due to their hardy nature and ability to withstand challenging conditions.
- Variety: With its variety of colors, Coral Bells can represent the diversity of experiences in life.
- New beginnings: The vibrant growth of Heuchera 'Zipper' (PBR) implies the start of fresh opportunities and the courage to embrace change.
WaterCoral Bells prefer evenly moist soil, so water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the climate and the weather, this could mean watering once or twice a week, ensuring that you provide enough water to soak the soil each time. In hot and dry conditions, you might need to water more frequently, while in cooler, damp weather, less often. As an estimate, aim to provide Coral Bells with about 1 inch of water weekly, or if measuring, that would roughly equate to 0.623 gallons per square foot per week.
LightCoral Bells thrive best in partial shade to full shade. They should be placed in a location where they can receive filtered sunlight or morning light, but protection from the harsh afternoon sun is crucial to prevent scorching their foliage. They can handle some morning or late afternoon sun, but shadier spots will maintain their vibrant leaf color and prevent the leaves from fading or wilting.
TemperatureCoral Bells are hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, but they perform best when the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can generally survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate highs up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit without stress, but extreme temperatures for prolonged periods should be avoided.
PruningCoral Bells should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to encourage a neat habit. Pruning is best done in the spring to clean up winter damage and again after flowering if you want to tidy the plant or promote a second bloom. Deadheading the spent flowers can also be done throughout the blooming season to keep plants looking their best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells 'Zipper' thrive in well-draining soil with a mix of one part garden soil, one part peat moss or coco coir, and one part perlite or coarse sand. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingCoral Bells 'Zipper' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Older plants may be divided during repotting to maintain vigor and propagate new plants.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells 'Zipper' prefer moderate humidity levels around 50% but are adaptable to a range of humidity conditions as long as they are not in an excessively dry environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Partial shade; mulch to retain moisture; avoid wet feet.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Heuchera 'Zipper', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins when seeds are sown or when it's propagated by division in spring or fall. After germination, the seedlings develop into rosettes of ruffled, multicolored leaves that persist as evergreen foliage in milder climates. As the plant matures, it produces tall, slender stems with small bell-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators. Following flowering, seeds develop and are dispersed, potentially giving rise to new plants. Throughout the growing season, Coral Bells undergo vegetative growth, expanding their clumps and sometimes necessitating division every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. During winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder regions, but the roots remain alive, allowing the Coral Bells to regrow in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Heuchera 'Zipper', commonly known as Coral Bells, is typically propagated during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method for propagating Coral Bells is by division, where the gardener carefully separates the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has roots and shoots. This is done by digging up the entire clump and gently teasing apart or cutting through the crown of the plant to create new plants. The divisions should be replanted immediately, placed at the same soil depth as they were originally, and watered thoroughly. This method promotes a quick establishment and recovery of the plants, encouraging them to flourish in their new locations.
