Coral bells (Heuchera): growing, colours and care

Coral bells are grown for their foliage. The leaves come in lime, caramel, burgundy and near-black, and they hold their colour for most of the year. Thin stems of tiny bells float above the mound in late spring. Here is how they behave in Australian gardens, and how to use the leaves in a bunch.

Classic alunroot – dramatic purple leaf colours — Classic

Red heuchera – wine-red leaves with metallic lustre — Wine Red

Pink heuchera – rosy brown close-up of leaves — Rose Brown

Light heuchera arranged in a natural setting — Light Variety

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A North American plant in Australian beds

Heuchera belongs to the saxifrage family and was named for a German botanist, Johann Heinrich von Heucher. The genus comes from North America, so it likes a cool, moist root run rather than baking sun. In Melbourne, Tasmania, the Adelaide Hills and the mountain districts around Sydney it settles in well. In steamy Brisbane or Cairns the crown tends to rot through wet summers, which is why gardeners there keep it in pots.

Leaf colours to look for

'Palace Purple': Glossy bronze-purple leaves, a long-standing favourite and an easy one to find.
'Lime Rickey': Zesty lime foliage that lights up a dim corner and sets off darker neighbours.
'Obsidian': Almost black, ruffled leaves that look striking against pale pots and silver foliage.
'Caramel': Warm peach-amber tones that shift with the seasons.

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In the vase

Florists reach for Heuchera leaves as a filler in posies and mixed bunches, because the foliage holds up well in water for several days. Trim the stems, strip anything below the water line and top up the vase regularly. A burgundy leaf next to a pink rose or a cream lisianthus makes the whole bunch look more considered.

Looking after a clump

Give morning sun and afternoon shade. Purple and bronze leaves colour best with a little extra light, but hot afternoon sun scorches the edges.
Use free-draining soil enriched with compost, and keep it evenly damp without letting it go soggy.
Keep the crown level with the soil. If it rises above the ground over the years, lift the clump and replant it deeper.
Divide old plants every three or four years in autumn.

Quick facts – coral bells

Property	Information
Latin name	Heuchera
Origin	North America
Best position	Morning sun, afternoon shade
Flowers	Late spring to early summer (about October to December)

You can easily order flowers with coral bells delivered anywhere in Australia. To learn what different blooms say, read our guide to the language of flowers.

Good news for pet owners: the ASPCA lists coral bells (Heuchera) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. A pet that eats plenty of any plant can still end up with a loose stomach, so keep bunches out of reach and call your vet if you are worried.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Heuchera

Where should coral bells be planted in Australia?

Pick a spot with morning light and shade from the hot afternoon sun, in free-draining soil enriched with compost. They do best in cooler districts, and in warm humid areas they are safer in pots.

Are coral bells safe for dogs and cats?

The ASPCA lists coral bells as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. A pet that chews a lot of any plant can still get an upset stomach, so call your vet if you are worried.

Does heuchera require pruning?

Only a tidy-up. Snip off spent flower stems and ragged leaves in late winter. Every three or four years, divide an older clump in autumn and replant the pieces with the crown level with the soil.