May Plant of the Month

Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Coral Bells (Heuchera) are a popular perennial grown for their attractive foliage in a wide range of colors including burgundy, purple, silver, green, and peach. They are generally evergreen or semi-evergreen providing colorful foliage for winter interest in the landscape. They also produce delicate flower spikes with tiny bell-shaped flowers. Due to its low, clumping habit, coral bells work well as edgings or along borders of landscape beds.

They generally prefer partial shade, especially out of the hot afternoon sun. There are some varieties that can tolerate more sun, the foliage color can be more intense and last longer with some protection from hot, direct sunlight. Spots in the landscape that get morning sun and some afternoon shade work well for Coral Bells. They prefer well-drained soils, especially soils rich in organic matter. During hot and dry periods, they can benefit from some extra watering.

So if you have those afternoon shady areas in your landscape that need a pop of color, considering adding coral bells for year-round color.

Jessica Strickland is an Agriculture Extension Agent, specializing in horticulture for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County.  Forward any questions you would like answered from this month’s column to Jessica.Strickland@waynegov.com.

Learn More!

·       To discover more plant ideas for your landscape, visit the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu