American Coral Bells

Description:  American Coral Bells is a traditional perennial foliage plant. Native to North America, the plants form round mounds with a woody rootstock or crown at their base and small bell-shaped flowers that begin in spring or early summer on the tall stems. Rich in nectar, the flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, plus make nice cut blooms. Their leaves are rounded, lobed, hairy, and evergreen here in Tennessee. They grow at a moderate pace, making them a great option for woodlands, rock gardens, containers, borders, and ground covers. But they are short-lived perennials; and unless they are divided every few years, they will die out in 5 to 6 years. For more information see: plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/heuchera-americana

Care and Growing Tips:  For the best results plant in well-draining, organically rich soil in a semi-shaded location. This species does quite well in full sun, though they will require more water to thrive. Partial shade is a better choice in hotter climates where the color can become washed out if they are kept in full sun. Keep in mind that coral bells planted in damp, shady areas can be prone to fungal diseases so if your plants start having problems, it's best to move them to a drier site. Feed coral bells in the spring with a 1/2-inch layer of compost or a light amount of slow-release fertilizer. This plant has light feeding needs; you should avoid heavy applications of quick-release fertilizers, as this will inhibit flowering. Container-grown coral bells benefit from feeding with a water-soluble fertilizer to replenish nutrients that leach from the soil.