Coral Bells
Heuchera americana
Native coral bells offer delicate clouds of tiny white or pink flowers dancing above beautiful mounds of scalloped leaves that change colors with the seasons. This versatile perennial bridges the gap between wildflower and cultivated garden, equally at home in formal borders or naturalized woodland settings. Its long-lasting foliage provides four-season interest while the airy flower stems attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
HEW-ker-ah a-mer-ih-KAH-nah
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
1-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Coral Bells in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 native-wildflower →Zone Map
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Coral Bells · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: HEW-ker-ah a-mer-ih-KAH-nah. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
In North Carolina, the fruits appear from May to September.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: native to eastern and central North America, from Ontario
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rabbits
- +Attracts: Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in., Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- +Wildlife value: Members of the genus Heuchera support the following specialized bee: Colletes aestivalis. Bees and other pollinating insects enjoy the nectar from the flowers.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Similar shade tolerance and moisture needs, contrasting foliage textures create attractive combinations
Astilbe
Complementary bloom times and similar growing conditions, both thrive in partial shade
Ferns
Share preference for moist, well-draining soil and partial shade, create layered woodland garden effect
Lungwort
Both prefer cool, moist conditions and partial shade, lungwort blooms early while coral bells bloom later
Japanese Painted Fern
Similar growing requirements and the silvery fern foliage complements coral bells' colorful leaves
Caladium
Both are grown for colorful foliage, share preference for partial shade and consistent moisture
Wild Ginger
Native groundcover that shares similar woodland habitat preferences and soil requirements
Columbine
Both are native woodland plants with similar cultural needs and complementary flowering periods
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to coral bells and many other plants
Pine Trees
Create acidic soil conditions and dense shade that coral bells cannot tolerate well
Mint
Aggressive spreader that will quickly overtake and crowd out coral bells
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds in leaves and roots inhibit growth of nearby plants including coral bells
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, may get crown rot in wet winters
Common Pests
Vine weevils, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Crown rot, powdery mildew in humid conditions