Coral Bells, also known by their Latin genus of Heuchera, have recently become one of the most popular of all the perennials. They are native only to North America, but have been exported around the world since the 18th century.
History
Coral Bells received their Latin genus name from Johann Heinrich von Heucher, a German botanist who lived during the 17th and 18th centuries. Although native only to North America, coral bells began to be exported during the 18th century. It would not be until the end of the 20th century that the popularity of the plants would really take off.
Geography
More than 50 species of coral bells are known to exist. There seem to be no geographical limitations for the plants. The variance of the habitats of coral bells is equaled by the variance of how the plants appear in consideration to where they grow. Species of coral bells can grow on rocky seashores as well as in the hot, dry atmosphere of the Southwest region in the U.S.
Identification
Coral bells are considered a semievergreen perennial that matures to a size of roughly 1 inch tall by 1.5 inches wide. However, some plants are thinner and longer and can reach a height of 2.5 inches. They are small herbaceous plants and receive their name from their bell-shape bulbs that most often resemble pink or white coral.
Types
There are many types of coral bells that present a wide variety of flower colors. For instance, the plant Chatterbox features the prototypical pinkish flowers, whereas Frosty offers up breathtaking flowers that are almost a blood red. In recent years a number of coral bells that sport plum-colored or even deep purple flowers have become popular. Nearly every color of the rainbow is presented in at least one species of coral bells.
Considerations
Coral bells are the perfect plant for those who do not necessarily have a green thumb. All species of Heuchera require very little maintenance and are easy to care for. As long as coral bells are not overwatered or underwatered and receive proper sunlight, are kept in a rich and fertile soil, and are provided with good drainage, they will perform spectacularly. If planted in a location that experiences very cold weather, a winter mulching is highly recommended.
Time Frame
The ideal time to plant coral bells is in either the spring or the fall. The plants should be spaced anywhere from one to two feet apart inside a hole at least one foot deep. The diameter of the hole will depend upon the container in which you bought the coral bells, but the hole needs to be at least twice the size of that container. Take the plants out of the container and insert into the hole, making sure that the cap of the root ball is roughly even with the surface of the ground. Fill and water.
Effects
Coral bells unveil their extraordinarily beautiful flowers anytime from late spring through the early summer. The bell-shape flowers will bloom in a cluster rather than individually to present an overall effect not easily marred by flawed flowers. The blooming may continue throughout the summer with the removal of dying flowers and adequate irrigation.
