How to Grow Coral Bells

A native to America, Coral Bells are an old fashioned plant that is making a come back. I found a couple Coral Bell plants on sale a few years ago and didn't know what they were. Since then, I have seen them gaining in popularity.

The botanical name for Coral Bells is Heuchera (pronounced HEW-ker-uh). Besides Coral Bells another common name is Alum Root. Most garden centers sell several varieties of Coral Bells. I have the deep red variety as well as a golden color, and have seen bright green Coral Bells. There are also hybrid varieties available in several other colors, some displaying ruffled leaves. Coral Bells are a drought tolerant perennial and are hardy in zones 4 - 9. They can withstand temperatures as low as 25° below zero. Coral Bells grow in clumps with leaves resembling a maple leaf. Some people call the leaves of Coral Bells heart shaped. Depending on the variety, soil and other factors, Coral Bells can grow as high as three feet and as wide as two feet. The distinctive flower grows out of the center of the clump of leaves on long stalks holding delicate little flowers. The flowers of the Coral Bell plant appear in the spring and last throughout the summer. Both the flowers and the leaves of Coral Bells are an interesting addition to a cut flower arrangement.

Coral Bells can easily be divided and made into two plants. If you keep dividing your Coral Bells several years in a row, you will have many plants for other parts of your yard or to share with friends. It is best to plant your Coral Bells in the spring or fall, spacing them one to two feet apart. Coral Bells can be planted in partial shade to full sun. Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant and place it carefully in the hole, having the top of the root ball level with the surface of the soil. Cover the root ball with soil and water thoroughly.

If you have a problem with deer in your yard, Coral Bells are a great choice because they are deer resistant. Even though deer do not like Coral Bells, hummingbirds love the wispy flowers and will be attracted to your yard.

When I bought the Coral Bells, I remembered an old song I used to sing in music class in elementary school. It was a round ,usually sung in three parts:

"White coral bells upon a slender stalk,
Lilies of the valley deck my garden walk,
Oh, how I wish that I could hear them ring...
That will happen only when the fairies sing."