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How to Grow Coral Bells (Heuchera): Care and Planting
Written by David S.
Coral bells (Heuchera) are easy, shade-friendly perennials grown mostly for their colorful foliage. Give them part shade, with protection from hot afternoon sun, in rich, well-drained soil kept evenly moist. Set the crown right at the soil surface so it does not rot, space plants a foot or more apart depending on the variety, and divide the clumps every few years to keep them vigorous. The small flowers appear on slender stems above the leaves, mostly from early summer on.
Quick answer: Plant coral bells in part shade (morning sun with afternoon shade in hot inland Southern California) in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. Keep the soil evenly moist, water weekly in hot, dry weather, and mulch to hold moisture. Set the crown at or just above the soil line so it does not rot, and space plants from about 12 inches up to 3 feet apart depending on the cultivar. They bloom from around June through the season, so deadhead spent stems to keep flowers coming, and divide the clumps every 3 to 4 years in spring or fall to keep them healthy.
| What they need | Coral bells want | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Part shade; morning sun with afternoon shade in hot inland areas | Full sun scorches the leaves in SoCal heat |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic, high in organic matter | They do not tolerate heavy, soggy clay |
| Water | Even, consistent moisture; weekly in hot dry spells | Keeps foliage lush without waterlogging |
| Spacing | About 12 inches to 3 feet apart, by cultivar | Room for the mounding foliage to fill in |
| Bloom | Small flowers from about June on; grown mainly for foliage | Most of the color comes from the leaves |
| Hardiness | Roughly USDA zones 3 to 9, varies by type | Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild SoCal |
If you are still deciding whether to grow them, our overview of coral bells covers what they are and the many leaf colors available; this guide is about how to grow and care for them.
Where to Plant Coral Bells: Light and Soil
Coral bells are shade-garden favorites, but how much sun they take depends on the variety and your climate. They grow in sun or shade depending on the cultivar, and many develop their best leaf color in full sun, though full sun to partial shade is generally ideal.[1] The catch in a warm climate is leaf scorch, which becomes a problem for plants grown in full sun during hot, dry weather.[1] For Southern California that tips the balance toward shade: in the South these perennials grow best in partial shade, preferring morning sunlight and afternoon shade.[2] If you garden in a hot inland valley, give them morning sun with afternoon protection and lean on heat-tolerant cultivars, those with Heuchera villosa in their parentage like Caramel and Citronelle, where you can.[2] They make a natural companion for other shade plants under trees and on the north side of the house.
Soil matters just as much as light. Coral bells want a slightly acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, and they do not tolerate heavy clay.[1] Before planting, amend the bed with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage, since coral bells struggle in heavy, poorly drained ground.[2]
When Coral Bells Bloom, and How to Plant Them
Although they are grown mainly for their foliage, coral bells do flower. Heuchera are primarily grown for their colorful leaves, but many carry attractive pink or red flowers, and bloom usually begins in early summer, around June, continuing through the growing season.[1] The small flowers rise on slender stems above the leaves, which is where the common name coral bells comes from.
When you plant, the most important detail is depth. Set each plant with its crown at or just above the soil surface and take care not to bury it, because a buried crown sitting in moist soil is prone to rot.[3] Space plants according to their mature size, anywhere from about 12 inches up to 3 feet apart depending on the cultivar.[1] Spring and fall are the best times to plant and transplant.[4]
Watering, Feeding, and Everyday Care
Consistent moisture is the key to lush coral bells. Keep the soil evenly moist, water weekly during hot, dry weather, and mulch with pine straw, leaves, or shredded bark to conserve soil moisture.[2] Avoid the opposite extreme, though: coral bells need good drainage, and soggy soil invites fungal problems.[1] Deadheading the spent flower stems increases bloom production into summer and fall, so trim them off as they fade.[1] In a mild climate like Southern California, coral bells are evergreen to semi-evergreen, holding their foliage through much of the year, and the genus is hardy across roughly USDA zones 3 to 9 depending on species and cultivar.[1]
Dividing Coral Bells, and Are They Pet-Safe?
Coral bells are often short-lived perennials unless you divide them regularly, about every 3 to 4 years.[1] Lift and divide the clumps in spring or fall, replanting the divisions at the same crown depth, and you will keep the plants vigorous while getting free new plants in the bargain.[4] For more on the technique, see our guide to dividing perennials.
One reassuring note for pet owners: the ASPCA lists coral bells (Heuchera) as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, so they are a safe choice for a shade border where pets roam.[5]
Ready to add some foliage color to a shady spot? Stop by any Green Thumb Nursery and our team can help you pick coral bells cultivars that suit your light, soil, and color scheme.
Coral Bells Care FAQ
How long do coral bells bloom?
Bloom usually begins in early summer, around June, and continues through the growing season. Deadheading the spent flower stems as they fade increases bloom production into summer and fall.[1]
When do coral bells (heuchera) bloom?
Most coral bells flower in summer, with bloom typically starting around June, though they are grown mainly for their colorful foliage rather than their small flowers.[1]
Do coral bells like sun or shade?
Part shade is the safest choice, especially morning sun with afternoon shade in hot inland Southern California, since full sun can scorch the leaves in hot, dry weather. Some cultivars take more sun if you keep the soil consistently moist.[2]
How far apart do you plant coral bells?
Space them according to their mature size, anywhere from about 12 inches up to 3 feet apart depending on the cultivar, so the mounding foliage has room to fill in.[1]
How do you propagate coral bells?
The main method is division. Lift and divide the clumps every 3 to 4 years in spring or fall, which also keeps these otherwise short-lived perennials vigorous.[4]
Sources
- [1] NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Heuchera: plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- [2] Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, Heuchera (Coral Bells): hgic.clemson.edu
- [3] NC State Extension, Heuchera Palace Purple (crown depth): plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- [4] NC State Extension, Heuchera americana (dividing in spring or fall): plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- [5] ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Coral Bells (non-toxic to pets): aspca.org
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