Native Coral Bells
COMMON NAME | Native Coral Bells |
BOTANICAL NAME * | Heuchera villosa |
ZONE | 4 – 9 |
SIZE | 12-15” HT |
FOLIAGE | This plant is grown primarily for its foliage. The colors vary widely with new Villosa cultivars coming on the market every year. Choices are solid green, variegated foliage that emphasizes the veination, burgundy, caramel, chartreuse and even almost black. The brightest colors appear in the spring and the fall. The Villosa strain is native to the Eastern US, and therefore is better able to withstand our heat and humidity, and even a bit of drought. Frequently, people find that the Heucheras will die out after a few years. The Villosa strain has proven itself to be longer lasting in Maryland than most. |
FLOWER | Clusters of small flowers standing well above the foliage, and persist for weeks on strong stems that have no trouble standing up. Flowers are generally cream or pink, and are visible when viewed up close or in a large stand. Flowers mid to late summer. |
GROWING CONDITIONS | Tolerant of many soil types. Drought tolerant. Part Shade. You want to avoid leaf scorch. Low maintenance. Cut spent flower stalks to height of foliage and leave the rest alone. No need to cut back old foliage since it protects the root mass below during the winter, and is quickly covered by new foliage in the spring. |
FAVORITE CULTIVARS | ‘Autumn Bride’ – solid green leaves, cream flowers in late summer
‘Berry Smoothie’ – burgundy foliage, pink flowers ‘Berry Timeless’ – mint green foliage, deep pink flowers ‘Caramel’ – orange hued foliage, white flowers ‘Citronelle’ – chartreuse foliage, white flowers ‘Frosted Violet’ – foliage emerges purple, then turns silvery with dark veination, pink flowers ‘Georgia Peach’ – foliage emerges deep pink almost red, tones are more subdued in the summer, cream flowers ‘Black Pearl’ – black foliage, cream flowers Special thanks to The Perennial Farm for many of the photographs in this month’s Featured Plant. |
* A particular plant will have only 1 botanical name. Unfortunately, a particular plant may have several common names or it may share a common name with another plant. Whenever possible, use the botanical name.