Species coral bells
Coral Bells (Heuchera americana) displaying bell-shaped blue-purple flowers on slender stalks above green leaves

coral bells

Heuchera americana (Dale's Strain)

Coral Bells, or Heuchera americana (Dale’s Strain), is a clump-forming perennial plant native to North America’s woodlands. It features beautiful dome-shaped foliage in shades of deep purple and maple, along with bell-shaped, pinkish-red flowers. Blooms fill the air with a sweet, honey-like scent, and appear from April to June. Coral bells are easy to care for; they prefer moist soil and some shade. This plant also does well in containers and can survive mild winters. Perfect for sunny borders, rock gardens, and woodland gardens, coral bells will provide lasting color to any landscape.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

bronze,green,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Coral bells should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. A good rule of thumb is to water them once the top 1-2 inches of soil has dried out. Depending on the specific location and climate, this could range from every 3 days to once a week. If you notice that the soil around the plant is staying too wet, consider reducing the frequency of watering and/or the amount of water each time. During the summer months, you may need to water more frequently, but be mindful of the weather and adjust accordingly.

sunlight

Coral bells require 2 to 4 hours of sunlight per day in order to thrive. This species of plant enjoys sunshine in the mornings or late afternoons but not all day long. It should be protected from strong midday sun and hot afternoon sunlight, which can burn the foliage of the plant. Coral bells should ideally receive even and consistent exposure of direct sunlight throughout the growing season, typically between April and September. In areas with hot summer months, Coral bells are best grown in part shade, absorbing dappled sunlight through the trees during the hot days.

pruning

When pruning your coral bells (Heuchera americana (Dale's Strain)), it is important to time it correctly for best results. Generally, prune the plants back in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This helps promote healthy and dense leaf growth. For a light pruning, simply remove any damaged or dead leaves and twiggy growth. For a more significant pruning, cut the entire plant back to within 6-8 inches of the ground. This will promote a fuller and more attractive growth for the upcoming season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Heuchera americana (Dale's Strain) typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Heuchera americana (Dale's Strain) typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map