How to Grow Coral Bells
For mass plantings at the edge of a flowerbed, many gardeners choose coral bells. Also known as Heuchera Sanguinea, this perennial forms a low mound of evergreen lobed leaves. Depending upon the variety, the color of the foliage can be chocolate colored, gray or white flecked. The flower stem, which rises above the foliage, grows 12 to 18 inches, producing delicate blossoms that come in pink, white or deep crimson. Coral bells are a good companion plant in front of roses. Suitable for USDA zones 3 to 8. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select the site for the coral bells. They prefer full sun, but light shade will be tolerated. They need a well-drained, open-textured soil.
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Plant potted coral bells in mid to late spring. Till the soil. Remove any rocks or garden debris. Dig a hole that is twice as large as the root ball. Remove the coral bell plant from the container it came in. Place it in the hole. Fill the hole with soil and tamp down gently to remove air bubbles. Water to settle the soil around the roots. Plant coral bells about 8 to 10 inches apart.
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Watch for the coral bells to begin flowering in early summer. Apply a complete plant food at that time. The coral bells will continue to bloom until early fall. Remove any spent flower stems to keep the plant looking tidy.
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Water regularly but don't overdo it. Soil that remains wet will kill these plants. Watch for vine weevil grubs; they may devour the coral bells roots and stems. If this happens, cut off any uninfected shoots and destroy the clump. Plant the salvaged shoots as cuttings.
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Divide coral bells clumps in the spring or fall. Lift mature plant from the soil and divide. Be sure that each part has a healthy set of roots and replant. You can also grow coral bells from seed sown in the spring, and cuttings will also take root quite easily.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the guarantee and return policies of the nursery, gardening center, catalog, or garden website where you buy plants. Some have a one year guarantee and require that you have the receipt, shipping invoice or shipping label.
Don't water these plants too much. It can kill them.
