Grown for their colorful, heart-shaped leaves and summer flowers, coral bells (Heuchera spp.) … Come late winter or early spring, you should prune your coral bells to remove tattered leaves and to make room for new growth.
Likewise, do coral bells need sun?
One of the most versatile perennials you can grow in zones 4-9 is Coral Bells (Heuchera). Here’s a plant that will grow in any amount of sunlight, from full sun to full shade, as long as you water it. Ideally, coral bells prefer partial shade and average moisture levels.
Keeping this in consideration, how do you winterize coral bells?
With pruning shears, cut back the foliage that dies 3 inches above the ground in late fall or early winter. If your coral bells grow as evergreens in your climate, do not cut the foliage at this time. Wait until spring when new growth starts, and cut back any damaged, dead or unsightly stems.
Do coral bells come back every year?
To start with, coral bells are perennials and will come back year after year. They will also multiply on their own and after three or four years may need to be thinned out, but what a joy to have a plant that grows so well you have to “weed it out” every so many years!
How do you keep coral bells blooming?
Other than keeping them regularly watered during their first year of growth, heucheras don’t require much care. Divide heuchera clumps as needed, or every three or four years. Deadhead the flowers, to promote more blooms, which may continue into summer.
Can coral bells take full sun?
Light: Coral bells can be grown in a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to shade. Foliage color and bloom are best when plants receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight.
Will coral bells grow in shade?
Happy in both shade and full sun, coral bells are low-maintenance perennials whose colorful foliage provides a perfect playmate for other shade-lovers who look great, but could use a bit of an infusion of drama. Now, with foliage in full view so you can easily see the color, is the ideal time to buy coral bells.
Should I fertilize coral bells?
Fertilizer. Feed coral bells in the spring with a half-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.
What animal eats coral bells?
Just remember that, in the middle of winter a ravenous deer or rapacious rabbit will eat anything, including a heuchera.
How often should I water coral bells?
Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry.
Do Coral bells get cut back in the fall?
Do you cut back Coral bells in the fall? In the fall, I don’t prune heucheras at all, as it needs a lot of energy to survive the winter. The more leaves remain on the plant, the better it will overwinter. Also, pruning the lower leaves will expose the lower part of the stem.
Do coral bells attract hummingbirds?
Coral bells are a favorite of hummingbirds, but they only bloom once a season, and many gardeners cut them off in order to divert energy into the plant’s leaves. If you want hummers to visit you, let the plants bloom. There are many great perennials that will keep your hummingbirds happy.
When can you divide coral bells?
Dividing and transplanting coral bells can be done in spring or early fall when the plants are not actively blooming. Wait until a cool, overcast day to transplant, or do it in the morning when the weather is cool and moist.
