The Botanical Diary
C
Flowers

Coral Bells

Heuchera × hybrida
Also known ascoral bells, alum root, heuchera

Over 500 cultivars of Heuchera have been developed with foliage in various colours.

Regions
all regions
Colour
Дрібні white або рожеві
Coral Bells (coral bells, alum root, heuchera)
🌸
Bloom
June–August
☀️
Light
Partial shade / тінь
💧
Watering
Moderate
📏
Height
0,2–0,5 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 4

Coral Bells — this enchanting perennial plant transforms any shaded corner of your garden into a true work of art. Born from the hybridisation of North American Heuchera species, it has swiftly captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide. Plant breeders have worked with this plant for over a century, and the result is stunning — today we have an enormous palette of leaf colours, ranging from deep burgundy to silver with golden undertones.

Heuchera presents a truly striking appearance: the leaves form compact rosettes with wavy or finely textured edges that change colour depending on the season and light exposure. But the real magic unfolds from June to July, when delicate stems emerge bearing tiny, delicate flowers in shades of red, pink or creamy white. It is precisely these trembling flowers that English gardeners named the plant 'Coral Bells' — and the name has stuck ever since. Today, over 500 cultivars have been bred, each with its own distinctive character and palette.

In the garden, Coral Bells offers a universal solution to the age-old problem of shade. Unlike many flowering plants, it does not complain about lack of sunshine; rather, in partial shade it reveals its fullest potential. Plant it in groups at the front of borders, along pathways, or as edging around tree trunks. It combines beautifully with astilbe, ferns and hostas.

The English gardeners who developed this culture over a century ago knew what they were doing. Coral Bells is not only versatile in plantings — it is resistant to disease, requires virtually no special care, and its foliage remains ornamental throughout the year. This is a plant for those who want beauty without the fuss.

Location & soil

Coral Bells — planting & location

LightPartial shade / тінь
Soil typerich, рН 6–7
Planting timeApril або August–September
Plant spacing0,3–0,4 m
Planting depth10 см

Ornamental foliage in burgundy, green, or silver.

Water needs

How to water Coral Bells

IntensityModerate
FrequencyEvery 7–10 days (в)
Volume8–10
MethodAt the base

Mulch to protect the rhizome.

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Coral Bells

Spring fertilizingApply balanced fertiliser (April–May).
Summer fertilizingDo not fertilise.
Autumn fertilizingDo not fertilise.
Pruning timeНавесні (видалити старе листя)
Pruning typeSanitary

Remove old foliage in early spring.

Cold hardiness

Coral Bells — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 4
Winter coverApply conifer branches or peat to a depth of 8–10 cm.
Cover timingNovember
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Coral Bells

Garden design

What grows well with Coral Bells?

Хоста, астільба, папороть