How to Plant and Grow Coral Bells

Coral bells (Heuchera spp.) used to come in a few drab colors, with small and insignificant blooms. Now, the striking foliage on these versatile perennials comes in an array of colors, including deep purple, burgundy, chartreuse, amber, silver, copper, and rosy pink. The foliage of coral bells is striking on its own, but some varieties (like Heuchera sanguinea ‘Firefly’) are also prized for their delicate, bell-shaped blooms. New varieties of coral bells appear on the market nearly every year with improved colors, larger leaves, brighter flowers, and new patterns.

And, for all that visual drama, coral bells are extremely low-maintenance. The perennial is hardy in Zones 3-9 and adaptable to either ground or container planting.

Where to Grow Coral Bells

Coral bells thrive in diverse environments such as prairies, mountains, woods, and even arid climates. Most varieties perform best in well-draining, humus-rich soil and shaded spots protected by trees and taller plants. In colder regions, they can benefit from additional sunshine, but generally, a partial shade setting with 3 to 6 hours of sunlight is ideal. Their low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for areas that receive less attention.

How and When to Grow Coral Bells

Plant coral bells in early spring for a head start on growth, or in late fall to give roots time to establish before winter. To plant your coral bells, dig a hole about the same width and depth as the plant’s current container. Remove the plant and loosen the roots a bit from the root ball before placing it in the hole. Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well.

Coral bells can spread up to 3 feet, so plant them a few feet apart if you add multiple plants. The adaptable perennials also thrive in containers, which is a great option if you’re limited on garden space.

Coral Bells Care Tips

Coral bells are simple to cultivate if not overwatered. Many species are accustomed to rocky, well-drained environments, which means they dislike sitting in water. Some varieties handle either sun or shade, but others could scorch in overly sunny conditions. Always check specific variety needs before opting for full-sun placement.

Light

Preserve coral bells’ color by keeping them out of full sun, which can fade their blooms and burn the leaves. Most do best in partial shade with about 3 to 6 hours of sun per day (preferably in the morning or evening) with dappled shade or complete shade for the rest of the day.

Soil and Water

The best soil for coral bells is a well-draining, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Heavy clay soils and other soils that don’t drain well may cause the plant to suffer from issues with root rot. Coral bells can tolerate a bit of drought, but their shallow roots need more water in sunny spots. Keep soil consistently moist but not wet. Water daily the first week after planting and every few days for the rest of the season.

Temperature and Humidity

Coral bells’ temperature requirements and preferences vary from type to type. Most varieties do fine with temperatures of 45ºF or above and may even flower in winter if it’s warm enough. Lower temperatures cause them to go dormant. If it is extremely cold in your area, mulch will prevent coral bells from heaving during winter.

Fertilizer

Don’t fertilize coral bells much because it keeps the plants from flowering. Instead, each spring, add a 1/2 inch layer of compost and a sparing amount of slow-release fertilizer to in-ground plants, which should be enough. For potted coral bells, some water-soluble fertilizer in the recommended amount can replace nutrients lost as water seeps out for drainage.

Pruning

To keep coral bells blooming even longer, deadhead the spent ones. This may encourage the plants to produce a second wave of flowers. Some varieties will also bloom sporadically throughout the growing season.

Potting and Repotting Coralbells

Keep potted coral bells outdoors. This plant doesn’t do well when grown inside. Use a container at least 10 to 12 inches in diameter with good drainage. Soggy soil can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. You can plant coral bells in pots with other plants that have similar light and water needs.

Replant coral bells every three to four years by digging up the old crown of the plant and separating any rooted offshoots. Discard the old crown and plant the offshoots in new containers with fresh soil.

Pests and Problems

Coral bells are susceptible to black vine weevils and strawberry root weevils. Black vine weevils eat holes in the leaves and, as with strawberry root weevils, can cause damage to the roots of the plant. If you see the larvae, destroy them, or use neem oil to rid your plant of these pests.

Fungal infections may include powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot, among others.

How to Propagate Coral Bells

To propagatecoral bells by division, dig up the plants with the root clump intact. Separate the clumps and replant them, barely covering the roots with soil. To grow from seed, sprinkle them across the chosen location in late fall or early spring, but don’t cover with soil.

Types of Coral Bells

‘Caramel’ Coral Bells

An oldie but a goodie, ‘Caramel’ has withstood the test of time. Foliage emerges a soft peach color and fades to rich amber. Too much sun can burn these leaves, so make sure they have at least part shade. Zones 4-8

‘Amber Waves’ Coral Bells

Heuchera ‘Amber Waves’ has 8-inch mounds of wavy-edged leaves that are salmon pink when young, but mature to rusty gold with lavender overtones. In spring, it produces loose spires of small pink flowers. Zones 4-9

‘Dolce Blackcurrant’ Coral Bells

Heuchera ‘Dolce Blackcurrant’ offers rich purple leaves with splashes of silver and grows 16 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Zones 4-9

‘Dolce Creme Brulee’ Coral Bells

Heuchera ‘Dolce Creme Brulee’ offers bronzy foliage from spring to fall and grows 16 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 4-9

‘Dolce Key Lime Pie’ Coral Bells

Heuchera ‘Dolce Key Lime Pie’ features lime-green foliage from spring to fall, with clusters of pink flowers in spring. It grows 16 inches tall and 14 inches wide. Zones 4-9

‘Green Spice’ Coral Bells

Heuchera ‘Green Spice’ has 9-inch mounds of scalloped, red-veined silvery leaves edged with gray-green. Dainty spires of white flowers rise above the foliage. Zones 4-9

‘Palace Purple’ Coral Bells

Heuchera micrantha ‘Palace Purple’ has 12-inch mounds of ivy-shaped, deep purple leaves with dark red undersides. These may fade out to greenish bronze in full summer sun. Panicles of tiny flowers bloom aloft in spring. Zones 4-9

‘Pewter Veil’ Coral Bells

Heuchera ‘Pewter Veil’ has scalloped, rounded leaves of metallic silver with purple-gray veins and pink undersides. They form 12-inch mounds, above which tiny white flowers bloom in spring. Zones 4-9