Coral Bells

Common names:  Coral  Bells; Alumroot

Botanical name: Heuchera sanguinea ‘Bressingham Hybrids’

Characteristics

Derived from North American native perennials, Heuchera cultivars are tough, vigorous beauties for the partially shaded garden. Rounded ruffled or wavy leaves form rosette mounds topped by delicate spires of bell-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Versatile Coral Bells are used in perennial borders, as accent groups in the shade garden, or as container subjects. They make excellent cut flowers.

Size:  18 – 24 inches tall

Flowers: very small tubular flowers in shades of red, pink and white

Bloom time: late spring through early fall

Leaves: marbled, silver and mint-green scalloped foliage

Pests and Disease Problems: disease and pest resistant

Growing in North Texas

Plant in well-drained loamy or sandy soil in partial shade (avoid hot afternoon sun). Heuchera are relatively drought tolerant when established, but need regular irrigation during the summer for best performance. Deadhead to prolong blooming season. Propagate by division, seed, or cuttings. Divide the root-ball in spring when the plant center becomes woody. In the fall, direct sow seed outdoors, or take leaf cuttings with short petiole segments to root in sand.

References:

“Shinner’s and Mahler’s Flora of North Central Texas”, p.86

“Chicago Botanical Gardens Issue 21”, 2003 (Plant Evolution Notes pp 1-4)

Michigan State University Extension: Heuchera

Horticulture Department, University of Kentucky:KY gardenflowers – Heuchera

Keywords (tags): Shade, perennial, flowering, hummingbirds