Coral Bells, also known as Heuchera, are a versatile and vibrant group of perennial plants that have become a staple in many gardens. These plants are renowned for their stunning, lobed leaves that come in a wide array of colors, from deep burgundies and plums to vibrant golds, silvers, and corals. Their ability to thrive in shade, their low maintenance requirements, and their unique beauty make them a favorite among gardeners. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color, create a dramatic foliage display, or simply enhance the beauty of your garden, Coral Bells are an excellent choice. Here, we’ll delve into over 12 different types of Coral Bells that can add beauty and depth to your garden.
1. Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’
This is one of the most recognizable Coral Bells varieties, known for its deep, rich purple foliage. ‘Palace Purple’ is an excellent choice for adding a dramatic touch to shade gardens. It grows relatively compact, reaching about 12-18 inches in height, making it perfect for borders or containers.
2. Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’
For a brighter approach, ‘Lime Rickey’ offers vibrant, lime-green leaves that add a fun and lively element to any garden. This variety is known for its airy, delicate appearance and can grow up to 12 inches tall. It’s a great choice for adding a splash of color to shaded areas.
3. Heuchera ‘Silver Fountain’
‘Silver Fountain’ presents leaves with a beautiful, silvery sheen, providing a striking contrast to other foliage plants. Its maple-like leaves are lobed and grow on slender stems, giving the plant a delicate, fountain-like appearance. This variety is ideal for creating a sense of movement and texture in the garden.
4. Heuchera ‘Coral Bells’
The namesake ‘Coral Bells’ features maple-like leaves in a deep coral-red color. It’s a compact grower, reaching about 8-12 inches in height, and is perfect for small gardens, containers, or as a border plant. Its coral-red foliage adds a warm, inviting glow to any garden setting.
5. Heuchera ‘Mocha’
For a more subtle approach, ‘Mocha’ offers leaves with a rich, earthy tone, reminiscent of mocha coffee. This variety is great for adding depth and warmth to shaded gardens without overpowering other plants. It grows up to 12 inches tall and is known for its compact, clumping habit.
6. Heuchera ‘Amber Waves’
‘Amber Waves’ is a stunning variety with golden, amber-colored leaves that resemble waves due to their undulating edges. This plant is not only beautiful but also resilient, making it a great choice for gardens in areas with partial shade to full shade. It can grow up to 18 inches tall, providing a statuesque element to any garden.
7. Heuchera ‘Raspberry Sundae’
This variety boasts beautiful, lobed leaves in a vibrant raspberry color. ‘Raspberry Sundae’ is a bit taller, reaching up to 20 inches in height, and is perfect for adding a bold splash of color to larger gardens or landscapes. Its foliage is not only stunning but also attracts hummingbirds, adding an extra layer of interest to your garden.
8. Heuchera ‘Voltage’
‘Voltage’ offers a unique blend of colors, with leaves primarily in shades of yellow and orange but with distinctive red veining. This variety adds a dynamic element to gardens, with its bright colors illuminating shaded areas. It grows up to 12 inches tall and is a great choice for containers or as a border plant.
9. Heuchera ‘Ginger Ale’
For a softer, more delicate look, ‘Ginger Ale’ features leaves in a light orange-gold color, reminiscent of ginger ale. This plant is compact, growing up to 10 inches tall, and is perfect for small gardens, rock gardens, or as a complement to other shade plants.
10. Heuchera ‘Crimson Waves’
‘Crimson Waves’ presents deep, maple-like leaves in a rich, crimson color. This variety is known for its undulating leaf edges, which give the plant a dynamic, wavy appearance. It grows up to 18 inches tall and is a stunning addition to any shaded garden, providing both color and texture.
11. Heuchera ‘Mahogany’
‘Mahogany’ features leaves with a deep, reddish-brown color, similar to mahogany wood. This variety adds a sophisticated element to gardens, with its rich, earthy tones complementing a wide range of other plants. It grows relatively compact, reaching about 12 inches in height, making it perfect for borders or as a focal point in smaller gardens.
12. Heuchera ‘Obsidian’
For a dramatic, dark element, ‘Obsidian’ boasts nearly black leaves with subtle hints of red, especially in the veins. This variety is a striking addition to any garden, providing a beautiful contrast to lighter-colored plants. It grows up to 12 inches tall and is known for its compact, clumping habit, making it perfect for containers or as a border plant.
FAQ Section
What kind of soil do Coral Bells prefer?
+Coral Bells prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix specifically designed for shade plants, with a slightly acidic pH, is ideal for these plants.
How much sunlight can Coral Bells tolerate?
+Coral Bells are shade plants and can tolerate partial shade to full shade. However, some varieties can handle more sun if the soil is kept consistently moist. Direct sunlight, especially in warmer climates, can cause the leaves to become scorched.
Are Coral Bells deer-resistant?
+Yes, Coral Bells are considered deer-resistant. Deer tend to avoid plants with bitter or toxic leaves, and while Coral Bells are not toxic, their taste is unappealing to deer, making them a good choice for gardens in areas with deer activity.
Conclusion
Coral Bells offer a wide range of possibilities for gardeners looking to add color, texture, and depth to their shade gardens. With over 12 stunning varieties to choose from, each with its unique characteristics, gardeners can select the perfect Coral Bells to match their garden’s aesthetic and needs. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic pop of color, a subtle earthy tone, or a plant that attracts wildlife, there’s a Coral Bells variety that’s sure to enhance your garden’s beauty and charm.
