Coral Bells Plant Guide: How to Grow Coral Bells

Coral bells (sometimes called alumroot) belong to the Heuchera genus of perennial flowering plants native to North America. Several cultivars make up the genus, and hybridization is common, so species of coral bells can look quite different from each other. Nonetheless, many coral bells will have thick, sturdy flower stems; variegated, lobed leaves; and many small, colorful red, purple, white, or pink flowers.

The bell-shaped flowers soar above a base of green leaves and bloom in late spring to early summer. If your coral bells are thriving—perky with dark purple or rich flower colors come bloom time—they’ll attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insects will fly to the bell-shaped flowers to consume their sweet nectar.

Flower color and other attributes will vary in Heuchera cultivars:

1. 1. 'Ginger Ale': ‘Ginger Ale; coral bells feature fall foliage colors of muted yellows reminiscent of the soda hue. Their leaves are scalloped on the edges.
2. 2. 'Plum Pudding': As the name suggests, ‘Plum Pudding’ coral bells have dark purple veining and leaves and lighter purple flowers on top. ‘Plum Pudding’ coral bells thrive best in part shade.
3. 3. 'Lime Marmalade': This kind of coral bell plant will have bright, lime green leaves that can bloom white flowers.
4. 4. 'Dolce Appletini': This striking variety features green leaves and fiery red flowers.
5. 5. 'Palace Purple': This hardy plant commonly has purple leaves that range from dark purple to an almost burnt red.

Coral bells grow in Hardiness Zones 4 through 9 and thrive best in partial shade and sometimes full sun. Some cultivars are more comfortable in certain regions. Still, because coral bells grow throughout North America in prairies, mountains, woods, and even more arid climates, the semi-evergreen coral bells plant can grow almost anywhere.

There are many different cultivars of coral bells, so learn what each kind requires before deciding where you should plant it. Follow these tips to grow and care for coral bells:

1. 1. Plant coral bells in early spring. Coral bells can thrive in gardens, but they do just as well in containers and pots as long as they have good drainage.
2. 2. Use well-draining soil. Mulch will help maintain good drainage while keeping roots guarded as the soil will shift seasonally.
3. 3. Place your coral bells a few feet apart. When planting coral bells, space them a couple of feet apart as coral bells can spread to almost three feet. You can also place them in rock gardens and shade gardens, where the vibrant flower stalks will pop out of a bed of green leaves.
4. 4. Arrange your coral bells with other shade plants. Hosta and Astilbe plants make for pretty companions in a coral bells arrangement.
5. 5. Water your coral bells weekly. Coral bells are fairly drought-resistant, but water at the plant base to keep the green leaves dry. Feed an inch of water each week, sometimes more in early summer heat or during the growing season. Check the soil and only water when dry.
6. 6. Prune your coral bells in the spring. Prune your alumroot in early spring to encourage new growth.

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