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Heuchera and Coral Bells

Heuchera brings colour to shade without relying on flowers. The ruffled, evergreen leaves come in burgundy, purple, fire red, amber and silver, and hold that colour all year in a neat mound about 40cm across. In spring and summer, fine stems of small bell flowers rise above the foliage, which gives the plant its other name, coral bells. It is made for shaded borders, under trees and pots. Every plant is delivered Australia wide.

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How to choose a heuchera

Choose by leaf colour and how it will sit against its neighbours. Palace Purple is the classic, with deep bronze purple leaves and cream flowers, and the most tolerant of sun. Fire Alarm and Forever Red are the brightest reds. Marmalade shifts between amber, peach and bronze with pink undersides. Sugar Plum and Silver Gumdrop have a silver sheen over purple and pink, which lifts dark corners. Black Forest Cake is near black with red flowers. Named forms of Heuchera stay between 30cm and 45cm tall.

Where heuchera works

Heuchera is at its best in cool and temperate gardens, in morning sun or dappled shade with shelter from hot afternoon sun. Darker leaves take more sun than the pale and amber ones. It needs soil that holds moisture but drains. Use it to edge a shaded path, to carpet the ground under deciduous trees, or in pots where the foliage can be seen up close. In humid subtropical areas keep it in pots in a cool, airy spot. It joins the options in plants for partial shade and plants for pots.

Planting and spacing

Plant 30cm to 40cm apart for a continuous border. Set the crown level with the soil surface, not below it, add compost and mulch lightly around but not over the centre. Water twice a week until established.

Care basics

Keep the soil evenly moist through summer. Remove old leaves and spent flower stems in late winter to make way for new growth. After a few years the crown lifts on a woody stem: lift the plant in autumn, replant it a little deeper or divide it. Feed in spring with a slow release fertiliser.

Common questions

Does heuchera grow in full shade?

It grows in full shade, but the colour is richest with bright dappled light or a few hours of morning sun.

Is heuchera evergreen?

Yes. It holds its leaves all year in most Australian climates, with the freshest colour in spring.

Can heuchera grow in pots?

Yes. It is one of the best foliage plants for pots in shade. Use a quality mix and do not let it dry out in summer.

Why are the leaves scorching?

Too much hot afternoon sun or dry soil. Move the plant to a more sheltered spot and water more often in summer.