All coralbells require moist but well-drained organic soil that is rich and has close to neutral pH. Before planting, dig in lots of leaf compost. Where soils are naturally acidic, also dig in some dolomitic limestone to make them sweet. Mulch with leaf compost, keeping it away from the crowns to avoid encouraging rot. Water well during dry spells. The flowers of most of the varieties grown for foliage are not especially attractive and may be removed as soon as they appear. Divide in early spring to maintain vigor.
Coralbells is an easy-to-grow, rosy-flowered species. A cottage garden favorite, it is also the proud parent of many exciting new varieties hybridized in recent years. (Heuchera sanguinea is pictured here.) Its tiny coral-red blossoms wave on thin stems above lobed, kidney-shaped leaves. The foliage provides a pleasant background for the showy flower spikes and remains attractive all season.
Coralbells belong in both perennial borders and woodland gardens, in formal situations and informal plantings. To appreciate their wandlike blossoms, position them near the edge of the border or along a path or shady walkway. Although the blooms are held high, the thin stems are almost transparent, so they will not block the view of plants behind them. After bloom, the tidy clumps of foliage stay quite low to the ground.
ZONES: 3–10
BLOOM TIME: Late spring and all summer
LIGHT: Part shade
HEIGHT: 12–18 inches
INTEREST: Coral-red flowers on thin, delicate-looking stems; attractive foliage