Coral bells are having a moment. Once an overlooked and underutilised garden plant, their popularity has exploded in recent years with hundreds of varieties available. Also known as heuchera, they are some of the toughest plants you’ll ever grow. These hardy, low-maintenance herbaceous plants provide colour virtually year-round in your garden.
Forming low, neat mounds of evergreen leaves, these perennials produce delicate midsummer flower spikes that resemble tiny bells and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their bright, beautiful foliage — smooth, frilly, or ruffled — comes in shades from lime green and bright red to copper and near-black burgundy. Their striking hues last all season, well into autumn, and best of all, they return reliably year after year. Heucheras are especially eye-catching as border plants and they make excellent groundcover in shady areas. For maximum impact, grow them in groups – mixing different varieties will create a stunning patchwork effect.
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Want to plant your own? Read on to learn everything you need to know about growing coral bells successfully.
When to plant heucheras
Spring and autumn are the ideal times to plant heucheras, but they can go in the ground almost any time of year — so long as the soil isn’t frozen in winter or dried out in summer.
Give heucheras the right start
Coral bells need well-drained soil that doesn’t stay soggy. ‘Before planting, dig lots of organic matter (such as garden compost at roughly a bucketful per sq m/yd) into the whole planting area, not just into the planting hole. This will improve the soil and encourage the roots to grow outwards,’ advise the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Water newly planted heucheras frequently to help them establish, and keep watering regularly through the first growing season. Avoid wetting the leaves, as this can encourage fungal diseases and rot. Once established, they usually only need water during long dry spells.
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If growing in a border, heucheras generally don’t need feeding, say the RHS. For a seasonal boost, you can use a general-purpose fertiliser in spring – always follow the dosage instructions on the packet.
Heucheras are prone to lifting out of the ground over winter if the soil freezes or heavy rain washes light soils from around the fleshy stems. Mulching is essential, as it helps protect the crown and fill any gaps that may develop around the roots.
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A tough but versatile plant for shady corners
These sturdy plants are surprisingly versatile. ‘Most like partial or dappled shade, although some dark-leaved cultivars can be planted in a sunnier spot to improve the depth of leaf colour,’ notes the RHS.
Paler-leaved varieties, however, can scorch in strong sun, so always check the plant description before buying.
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Growing coral bells in pots and containers
Coral bells look beautiful in pots if you don’t have space in garden beds. Choose a container with drainage holes, and water regularly through spring and summer. In winter, move containers to a sheltered spot to protect them from heavy rain.
Each spring, apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and deter weeds — just leave a gap around the crown to prevent rot. Long-term container plants will also benefit from regular liquid feeds during the growing season.
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Pruning and deadheading coral bells
‘No real pruning is required – simply snip out any dead or tatty leaves and faded flower stems,’ says the RHS. This can be done at any time of the year – just cut them back to the base.
You can also deadhead the flowers to tidy up the plant (though it’s optional). Once the display is over, trim off the spent flower stems at the base.
Heuchera Eternal Flame
£7.95 at gardeningexpress.co.uk
Heuchera ‘Wildberry’ (Dolce Series)
£23.99 at crocus.co.uk
Heuchera ‘Little Cutie Blondie’
£7.95 at sarahraven.com
Heuchera b. Pluie de Feu
£4.99 at jparkers.co.uk
Heuchera ‘Cherry Cola’
£5.49 at gardenersdream.co.uk
Heuchera ‘Frilly’
£9.99 at gardenersdream.co.uk
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