Growing Heuchera (Coral Bells) and × Heucherella (Foamy Bells)

Heuchera and × Heucherella Growing Guide

Pronunciation: hew-ker-uh / hew'ker-el-uh

Panicles of pendant bell-shaped flowers float above ground on thin stems in pink, red, white, green, purple—beloved by hummingbirds, lovely in arrangements. Many grown for foliage; recent hybrids offer silver, chartreuse, orange, near-black leaves. × Heucherella is a cross between Heuchera and Tiarella.

Note: Fall shipping limited to Zones 6–9 for proper establishment.

Light and Watering

Full sun to part shade in North; need afternoon shade in warmer climates. Vivid foliage best in light shade to prevent bleaching. Shallow-rooted; need regular watering (1 inch/week) if no rain.

Fertilizer, Soil, and pH

Fertile, organic-rich soils with good drainage essential, especially in winter. Near-neutral or slightly alkaline pH ideal. Side-dress with compost in spring or apply slow-release fertilizer.

Pests and Diseases

Few serious pests. Powdery mildew may appear as white/gray patches on foliage. Spray with wettable sulfur or labeled remedy.

Companions

Lovely with ferns, hosta, tiarella, campanulas, alchemilla, phlox divaricata, pulmonaria. Silver foliage stunning with blue hosta. Play dramatic forms against woody plants in border.

Pruning

Shear off old top growth after flowering in late summer to expose fresh foliage. Remove dead leaves throughout season to keep foliage vibrant.

Reflowering

Remove old flower spikes at base to encourage longer bloom season.

Dividing/Transplanting

Old clumps may need division in spring every 3 years. Fall division/transplanting not recommended—shallow roots need full growing season to establish before winter.

End-of-Season Care

Plants may heave during freeze-thaw cycles; mulch with salt marsh hay or evergreen boughs in late fall. Ensure well-drained soil that doesn't stay wet in winter. Don't prune back; remove dead leaves in spring.

Calendar of Care

Early Spring: Light balanced/slow-release fertilizer or compost. Remove dead leaves, water if dry. Plant, transplant, divide. If crowns raised above ground, add humus-rich soil to base of crowns.

Late Spring: Remove old flower spikes regularly. Watch for powdery mildew; treat if serious, else remove infected leaves. Supplement rain if needed.

Summer: Groom by removing yellow/dead leaves. If foliage burned/tattered, shear top growth to expose fresh foliage.

Fall: After ground freezes, mulch to protect from heaving. Do not cut back.