Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera sanguinea
Coral bells bring year-round color to the garden with stunning foliage in shades of purple, silver, lime, and coral. These compact perennials produce delicate flower spikes that dance above colorful leaves, creating perfect ground cover for borders and containers. Modern hybrids offer incredible leaf colors that rival any flower for garden impact.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
HEW-ker-ah san-GWIN-ee-ah
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
12-19 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Heuchera (Coral Bells) in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Heuchera (Coral Bells) · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: HEW-ker-ah san-GWIN-ee-ah. Soil: High Organic Matter. Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 7 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 9 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Southwestern United States
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Rabbits
- +Attracts: Hummingbirds, Pollinators, Specialized Bees
- +Wildlife value: Members of the genus Heuchera support the following specialized bee: Colletes aestivalis. Nectar in the flowers support hummingbirds. Tannins in the foliage makes this plant unappetizing to deer and rabbits.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Similar shade and moisture requirements, complementary foliage textures and colors
Astilbe
Thrives in similar partial shade conditions, provides vertical contrast to low-growing Heuchera
Ferns
Share preference for moist, well-draining soil and partial shade, create layered woodland garden effect
Coral Bells (different varieties)
Mass plantings of different colored varieties create stunning foliage displays
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Similar growing conditions, spotted leaves complement Heuchera's solid colors
Japanese Painted Fern
Metallic silver foliage creates beautiful contrast with colorful Heuchera leaves
Caladium
Both are grown for colorful foliage, enjoy partial shade and consistent moisture
Impatiens
Complementary shade plants, flowers add color above Heuchera foliage
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can stunt or kill Heuchera and other sensitive plants
Mint
Aggressive spreading habit can quickly overwhelm and crowd out Heuchera
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds in leaves and roots inhibit growth of nearby plants
Full Sun Perennials
Competing light requirements as most full sun plants will struggle in Heuchera's preferred partial shade
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, may develop crown rot in poorly drained soils
Common Pests
Black vine weevil, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Crown rot, rust, powdery mildew