As I stroll through my garden, one plant never fails to catch my eye with its vibrant foliage and delicate bell-shaped flowers – Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells. These versatile perennials have become a beloved addition to my garden, and in this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you on a journey through the world of Heuchera. From their striking looks to essential care tips and companion planting ideas, you’ll discover why Heuchera is a must-have in your garden.
Heuchera’s Striking Appearance
One of the first things that drew me to Heuchera is its stunning array of foliage colors. These plants come in various shades, including green, pewter-grey, deep purple, pink, bronze, apricot, and zingy lime. The leaves are often marbled, veined, or scalloped, adding to their visual appeal. Heuchera forms compact mounds, and what’s even more fascinating is that they keep their leaves throughout the year, making them a reliable source of color in your garden.
Tiny white, pink, or red flowers, while not the main attraction, provide a delightful bonus in the summer months. Their subtle charm attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and they also make excellent cut flowers.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Heuchera’s adaptability makes it an excellent choice for various garden settings. Here’s what you need to know to ensure these plants thrive in your garden:
- Light: Most Heuchera varieties prefer partial or dappled shade. However, some with darker foliage can tolerate more sun, which often intensifies their leaf colors. Providing at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight yields the best results.
- Soil: Heuchera plants thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. While they prefer a loamy texture, they can tolerate clay or rocky soils with proper amendments.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Heuchera exhibits some drought tolerance. However, during hot spells, it’s essential to provide extra hydration.
Caring for Your Coral Bells
One of the reasons I adore Heuchera is its low-maintenance nature. Here are some essential care tips to keep your plants thriving:
- Fertilization: In the spring, apply a thin layer of compost or a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer around the base of your Heuchera. If you’re growing them in containers, supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer following the instructions.
- Pruning: Trim back any tattered foliage in early spring to stimulate new growth. Additionally, remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming.
- Pots: Heuchera is an excellent choice for container gardening. Ensure your containers have proper drainage, and if you’d like them to return next year, transplant them into the landscape in early fall.
Heuchera Varieties to Explore
With several hundred cultivars to choose from, Heuchera offers a diverse palette of colors and forms. Here are remarkable varieties you might want to consider for your garden:
1. Heuchera Abramsii
By Stickpen
2. Heuchera Acutifolia
3. Heuchera Alba
4. Heuchera Americana
5. Heuchera Americana Dale’s Strain
6. Heuchera Amethyst Myst
7. Heuchera Appletini
8. Heuchera Beaujolais
9. Heuchera Berry Marmalade
10. Heuchera Berry Timeless
11. Heuchera Binoche
12. Heuchera Birkin
13. Heuchera Black Beauty
14. Heuchera Black Pearl
15. Heuchera Black Taffeta
16. Heuchera Blackout
17. Heuchera Little Cutie Blondie
18. Heuchera Blondie In Lime
19. Heuchera Boysenberry
20. Heuchera Bracteata
21. Heuchera Brass Lantern
22. Heuchera Bressingham
23. Heuchera Brevistaminea
By Kaldari
24. Heuchera Bunnings
25. Heuchera Caespitosa
26. Heuchera Cajun Fire
27. Heuchera Can Can
28. Heuchera Canyon Belle
29. Heuchera Canyon Pink
30. Heuchera Cappuccino
31. Heuchera Caramel
32. Heuchera Carmencita
33. Heuchera Carnival
34. Heuchera Carnival Watermelon
35. Heuchera Caroliniana
36. Heuchera Cena
37. Heuchera Champagne
38. Heuchera Cherry Cola
39. Heuchera Cherry Truffles
40. Heuchera Chlorantha
41. Heuchera Chocolate Ruffles
42. Heuchera Chocolate Limes
43. Heuchera Circus
44. Heuchera Citronelle
45. Heuchera Cranberry
46. Heuchera Creme Brulee
47. Heuchera Crimson Curls
48. Heuchera Crocus
49. Heuchera Cylindrica
50. Heuchera Dark Secret
51. Heuchera Delta Dawn
52. Heuchera Dew Drops
53. Heuchera Eastwoodiae
54. Heuchera Electric Lime
55. Heuchera Electric Plum
56. Heuchera Elegans
57. Heuchera Evening Gown
58. Heuchera Fire Chief
59. Heuchera Fleur
60. Heuchera Forever Purple
61. Heuchera Forever Red
62. Heuchera Frosted Violet
63. Heuchera Galaxy
64. Heuchera Gauguin
65. Heuchera Georgia Plum
66. Heuchera Glabra
67. Heuchera Glomerulata
68. Heuchera Goji Berry
69. Heuchera Golden Zebra
70. Heuchera Gooseberry Lime
71. Heuchera Gotham
72. Heuchera Grande Amethyst
73. Heuchera Grande Black
74. Heuchera Grape Expectations
75. Heuchera Grape Soda
76. Heuchera Grape Timeless
77. Heuchera Green Spice
78. Heuchera Greenberry
79. Heuchera Grossulariifolia
80. Heuchera Gumdrop
81. Heuchera Hallii
82. Heuchera Happy Autumn
83. Heuchera Happy Flames
84. Heuchera Harry Hay
85. Heuchera Hirsutissima
By Grigory Heaton