Coral Flower for Descanso Gardens

Coral Flower (Heuchera sanguinea ) is a perennial that is also sometimes called Alum Root. It blooms from spring through late summer. Breeders have developed many new color varieties that do well in filtered-shade borders. These selections often have white flowers, but are mainly grown for the showy leaves. Coral Bells also make an attractive ground cover. Heuchera sanguinea is very attractive to hummingbirds, especially since it is one of the first red flowers to bloom in spring. Heucheras make a nice cut flower.

• CULTIVATION:
  • Location: Plant in light or filtered shade. If in the sun, they don't survive our hot, dry summers and fall.
  • Soil: Well drained, moist and fertile.
  • Water: Heuchera likes regular watering. Reduce water in late fall to encourage winter dormancy.
• PROPAGATION: Coral Bells may be started from seed in spring. Protect until the plants become well rooted. They transplant easily from home-grown or purchased four-inch plants or six-pacs. Best transplanted in spring. Clumps need to be divided every three or four years. The younger, rooted clumps can be easily transplanted to form new plants.
• TRY THESE SPECIES:
  • Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea ) has red flowers and blooms early. It is great for hummingbirds.
  • Heuchera americana cultivars such as 'Pewter Veil', 'Persian Carpet' or 'Velvet Night' provide purple or other dark leaf colors.
  • A new offering called 'Midnight Rose' looks very appealing in the catalogs. It has almost black leaves with splashes of bright rosy-pink. It's definitely on my Christmas wish list!
  • Heuchera briziodes hybrids such as 'Chatterbox', 'Firefly' or 'Oakington Jewel' provide blooms in red to rose shades and interesting leaf colors.