Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are a garden staple prized for their vibrant, textured foliage and delicate, bell-shaped flowers. These versatile plants come in a kaleidoscope of colors: from deep purples and reds to vibrant greens, oranges, and even shimmering silvers. Their diversity makes them a fantastic addition to any landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, heucheras are a relatively low-maintenance way to add year-round interest and a pop of color to your outdoor space.

One For Every Color

The leaves, often heart-shaped or lobed, can be smooth, ruffled, or even have a metallic sheen, creating a tapestry of textures and hues that evolves throughout the seasons. From the ruffled edges of ‘Obsidian’ to the striking veining of ‘Lime Marmalade,’ there’s a heuchera to suit every taste and garden design.

The foliage can survive during the winter, providing year-round interest. The leaves emerge in a whorl of color and make a tidy mound as they reflush in March and April. Their compact, mounding growth habit also makes them perfect for a variety of settings, including borders, containers, rock gardens, and even as ground cover.

While heucheras are often admired for their foliage, their delicate flowers, which appear on slender stalks from March to May, are a charming bonus. These dainty blooms, usually white, pink, or red, can attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Though the flowers are beautiful, it’s truly the captivating foliage that steals the show. It is better to select them for their foliage color, since this is what you will see most of the year.

Understand What You Are Buying

One of the most appealing characteristics of heucheras is their incredible diversity. Heucheras have gotten a lot of attention in the last few years from the horticulture industry because of how unique their colors are. There are literally hundreds of cultivars available, each boasting unique leaf shapes, colors, and patterns. Just because they have the same look in the nursery doesn’t mean they reach the same mature size. Be mindful of what cultivar you are purchasing! Do a quick search to understand the mature size of the plant. Different cultivars have different genetics and some can be large (more than one foot tall and across) and some can be small (less than six inches across)!

Hardy North American Native

The genus Heuchera is native to most of North America, except the heart of the Great Plains. The species native to Eastern North America are specifically found in woodland and rocky areas from Alabama to Maine. This versatility makes them well-adapted to a range of growing conditions we have in Central North Carolina.

They thrive in partial shade to full shade, making them ideal for those tricky spots in the garden where other plants struggle. While they can tolerate some sun, it’s best to avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Planting and Care

The two main keys to success with Heucheras are planting timing and watering during droughts.

When it comes to planting heucheras, choose a well-draining soil. These plants dislike soggy roots, and will quickly rot. It is recommended to plant them in the fall to early spring (about October to February), because they are susceptible to heat stress when they have not had time to root in. This can be out-of-sync with when they are available at your local nursery. If you must get them in the ground, make sure they do not dry out!

Plant heucheras at the same depth they were growing in their containers, spacing them according to the mature size of the cultivar. It is important to observe how the plants were rooted in their pots, because some growers will leave the paper fabric wrapping around the original plugs and this can eventually kill the plant if left on after planting out. The plants will rot if they are planted too deep!

General care for heucheras is relatively simple. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Remove any dead or damaged leaves in the early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent disease.

Heucheras are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering a burst of color and texture with minimal effort. Their versatility, combined with their stunning foliage, makes them a must-have for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re looking to create a vibrant border, add interest to a shady corner, or simply brighten up your patio with a container planting, heucheras are the perfect choice. With a little care, these jewel-toned plants will reward you with their beauty for years to come.