Coral Bells Heuchera sanguinea
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Coral Bells is an attractive perennial admired for its vibrant foliage and delicate bell-shaped flowers. Its leaves come in a variety of colors, ranging from green to dark purple, often with intriguing patterns or veining. They are rounded, lobed, and form a neat, low-growing mound that serves as a colorful backdrop for its blossoming stems. The flowers appear on slender, upright stalks that rise gracefully above the foliage. They are small and numerous, creating a feathery effect as they float above the leaves. The blooms themselves are typically a shade of bright red or coral, which gives the plant its common name, but they can also be found in shades of pink or white. The overall appearance of the plant is one of lush, full greenery punctuated by ethereal sprays of dainty flowers, which can add a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Coral Flower, Coralbells, Alumroot.
Common names
Heuchera sanguinea var. splendens, Heuchera splendens.
ToxicityTo humans
Heuchera sanguinea, commonly known as coral bells, is not known to be toxic to humans. It is generally considered safe and does not have a history of causing poisoning when touched or ingested.
To pets
Coral bells are also not considered toxic to pets. It is generally safe and does not pose a risk of poisoning to animals if they ingest parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Heuchera sanguinea, commonly known as Coral Bells, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination in gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Coral Bells are known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are quite drought-resistant, making them a good choice for water-conserving landscapes.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, Coral Bells provide visual interest throughout the seasons, even when not in bloom.
- Versatile Design: They are available in a range of foliage colors and textures, making them a versatile choice for various garden designs and color schemes.
- Soil Erosion Control: The dense growth habit of Coral Bells helps to prevent soil erosion in sloped gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: They are well-suited for shaded areas where many other plants may not thrive, offering color and texture even in low light conditions.
- Border and Edging Plant: Their mounding habit and attractive foliage make them excellent for use as border or edging plants in garden beds and pathways.
- Container Gardening: Coral Bells adapt well to containers, allowing those with limited space to enjoy their beauty on patios, balconies, or terraces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Container Gardening: Heuchera sanguinea, also known as Coral Bells, is suitable for growing in pots or containers due to its compact size, bringing color and texture to balcony gardens or patios.
- Ground Cover: Its dense foliage makes it great for covering bare patches in the garden, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Rock Gardens: Coral Bells can be incorporated into rock gardens because of their resistance to drought and their ability to grow in rocky soil.
- Woodland Garden Accent: The plant can be used to add a splash of color in shadier parts of a woodland garden setting.
- Edging Plants: Due to their mounding habit, they are suitable for use as edging along paths or flower beds, creating a defined border.
- Butterfly Attraction: The colorful blooms of Coral Bells attract butterflies, making them a great addition to butterfly gardens.
- Winter Interest: Some varieties of Heuchera sanguinea maintain their foliage color through mild winters, offering visual interest in an otherwise barren garden.
- Crafts and Dried Flower Arrangements: The dried flower stalks and seed heads can be used in floral crafts and arrangements for their unique texture and form.
- Fairy Gardens: Their small size and diverse foliage colors make Coral Bells perfect for use in whimsical fairy garden designs.
- Photography: The varied and vivid foliage and flower colors provide excellent opportunities for macro and garden photography.
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 sanguinea, commonly known as Coral Bells, represents endurance due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in various conditions.
- Protection: With its bell-shaped flowers, Coral Bells symbolize a protective charm, often thought to guard against evil spirits and misfortune.
- Beauty: The attractive foliage and delicate flowers of Coral Bells stand for natural beauty and appreciation for the aesthetic.
- New Beginnings: Often used in gardens to bring vibrant color, Coral Bells signify rebirth and the start of something fresh and exciting.
WaterCoral Bells, commonly referred to as Heuchera sanguinea, prefer to be watered regularly to maintain a moist but not waterlogged soil. They require thorough watering, which can equate to about 1 inch of rainfall per week. When watering Coral Bells, it is crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During hot, dry periods, water Coral Bells deeply once a week with up to 2 gallons of water per plant, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions.
LightCoral Bells thrive best in partial shade, although they can tolerate morning sun and afternoon shade. They should not be placed in full, harsh sun, particularly in hotter climates, as this can scorch their leaves. A spot that receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade under a tree canopy is ideal for the healthiest foliage and bloom production.
TemperatureCoral Bells are hardy in a broad range of temperatures, enduring minimum temperatures down to about -25°F and maximum temperatures around 80°F. They perform optimally in the moderate range between 60°F and 70°F. In extreme heat, they may require additional shade or water to prevent wilting.
PruningPruning Coral Bells involves removing spent flower stalks to encourage additional blooms and to maintain a tidy appearance. It is also beneficial to trim away any damaged or discolored leaves to promote healthy growth. Pruning is best done in the spring or after flowering, and should be done annually to rejuvenate the plant and stimulate new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Coral Bells prefers a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a good amount of organic matter. A combination of two parts peat moss or coconut coir, one part perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure would be ideal. This plant thrives in a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingCoral Bells should typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and prevent root crowding. This time frame can vary depending on the size of the pot and the growth rate of the plant.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells prefer moderate humidity levels, typically around 50%. They do not require high humidity and can tolerate the humidity levels found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure moderate light, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture for Coral Bells.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, fertile soil, and water regularly for best Coral Bells growth.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Heuchera sanguinea, commonly known as Coral Bells, begins with seed germination which occurs when temperature and moisture conditions are favorable, typically in spring. From the germinated seed, a small seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it produces a stout flowering stem holding panicles of small, bell-shaped flowers ranging from red to pink, which attract pollinators and support reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into dry capsules containing tiny seeds, which are then dispersed by wind or fall close to the parent plant. Coral Bells are perennial plants; after flowering, they enter a period of dormancy during the cold months, with the foliage often remaining evergreen or semi-evergreen depending on the climate. In the following growing season, the plant resumes growth from the same rootstock, continuing its cycle and potentially expanding its presence through self-seeding or vegetative propagation when mature clumps are divided.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The common name for Heuchera sanguinea is Coral Bells, and one of the most popular methods of propagation for this plant is by division. This process is ideally done in the spring or early fall. To propagate Coral Bells through division, one should gently lift the entire plant from the ground and carefully separate the crown and root system into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has several shoots and a healthy portion of root. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, spaced at least 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It's important to water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation allows gardeners to quickly increase their Coral Bells collection while ensuring the new plants are true to the parent in form and color.
