Heuchera Care, Maintenance, and Propagation

Heuchera are one of my favorite plants. I say that phrase a lot though, but really, heuchera, also known as coral bells, are awesome perennials that gardeners just love due to the beautiful foliage and versatility in garden design. Most heucheras you will find are hybrids of species plants of Heuchera sanguinea or Heuchera americana and they are found in just about every garden center around!

Heuchera has a wide range of leaf colors, including shades of green, purple, silver, and many variegated combinations. Most heuchera will thrive in the shade and a few varieties are also sun tolerant. What I love about it is the potential for garden designing. With so many colors to choose from there is a heuchera available for almost every garden need.

Heuchera tends to be very low maintenance. Every now and then it may need a drink of water when in drought conditions. Also you do need to divide it every now and then (more on that later).

Growing Conditions

Coral bells thrive in a variety of growing conditions. These plants prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. They do not like soggy ground!

Ideal Location

The ideal location for heuchera would be a garden spot that has at about 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. Here in Tennessee and in other very warm areas I would recommend limiting sun exposure to the morning times. During the winter months, heuchera may benefit from some protection, especially in regions with harsh winters. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures. Be careful when applying mulch that you don’t cover it too thickly or create a situation when it becomes soggy.

Best Time to Plant Heuchera

The best time to plant heuchera is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. My preference is spring so that it will have a good season of growth before dormancy. This allows the plant to establish itself before the extreme temperatures of summer or winter set in. When planting, ensure that the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface and avoid burying it too deeply, as this can lead to rot.

Care and Maintenance of Heuchera

Heuchera are fairly drought tolerant but all plants need some moisture. It’s better to water deeply and less frequently to allow time for the soil to dry out.

Do heuchera need fertilizer? Heuchera can benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in the spring as new growth emerges. This helps provide nutrients for healthy foliage and blooms. While this is the best practice I generally do not fertilize my heuchera plants. With good soil and a little compost these plants can go a long way!

Heuchera will eventually require dividing every few years to rejuvenate them and prevent overcrowding. This process involves carefully digging up the plant, dividing the root ball, and replanting the sections in fresh soil. Heuchera have a tendency to stretch their branches outward which opens up a hole in the middle where the original plant grew. When you divide them you can reestablish the plant (and maybe make a few new ones!)

How I Like to Use Heuchera/Coral Bells in the Garden

One of my favorite uses for heuchera in the garden is simply for the color as a ground cover mixed with other popular shade grown plants. Because it is a low-growing plant it can be used to easily fill in spaces between larger plants or along garden borders to eliminate or at least reduce the need for mulch.

Heuchera grows very will in container gardens. Their compact size and striking leaves add interest and color to pots and planters, whether used alone or in combination with other plants. Heuchera’s ability to thrive in partial shade makes it an excellent choice for brightening up shady corners of the garden where other plants may struggle. You can easily mix up potted heucheras with in ground plants and make a unique and diverse garden!

How to Propagate Heuchera

As usually I love to talk about plant propagation! Heuchera is an easy one to propagate. Division is the simplest method although other methods like tissue culture can be done (which is probably not a home gardener technique).

Dividing Heuchera

Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with roots attached, and replanting them to establish new growth. Start by digging up the mature Heuchera plant in early spring or fall. Carefully divide the plant into sections, ensuring each division has a healthy root system. You may need pruners to remove the heuchera from the main plant. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil, spacing them adequately to allow for growth. For a more in depth look at dividing heuchera check out the video below.

Growing Heuchera from Seed

I’ve had some good success in collecting seeds from heuchera plants. Most varieties of heuchera will not look exactly the same as the parent plant. ‘Palace Purple’ and ‘Dale’s Strain’ are two varieties that breed true to the original. For more on growing heuchera from seed read this: Growing Heuchera from Seed.

Heuchera problems

Heuchera plants are generally resilient, but like everything in the garden they can face certain pest and disease challenges. One common issue is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To prevent this, ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering. Another problem is root rot, which can occur in poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, plant Heuchera in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Aphids and spider mites are common pests that may target Heuchera but I haven’t had much of an issue with them. Even if you get Aphids and spider mites they can be can be controlled with insecticidal soap and aphids can just be knocked off with a hard spray of water. Slugs and snails will target Heuchera some, especially in damp conditions. Use organic slug bait or diatomaceous earth to protect your plants from these pests. Or crack open a beer and leave it out for those slugs in a bowl!

Companion Plants for Heuchera

I like to companion plant my heuchera in and around several other kinds of plants. Hostas are an obvious choice as they tend to enjoy the same conditions. Hosta’s have a wife array of leaf colors and variegation which can make shade gardening very interesting!

For larger plants I like using hydrangeas near heuchera. H. arborescens and H. quercifolia are two that I really enjoy having in the shade garden with the heucheras.

Some other options are astilbe, ligularia, brunnera, hellebore, and Japanese painted ferns.

Heuchera Varieties

There are hundred of varieties of heuchera available. The hardest part is limiting yourself to your budget!

‘Palace Purple,’ with deep purple foliage.

‘Dale’s Strain’ has vibrant green leaves and delicate pink blooms

‘Silver Scrolls’ has leaves marbled with silver hues that glisten in the sunlight.

‘Southern Comfort’ heuchera remains a popular choice and is sun tolerant.

‘Obsidian,’ featuring foliage that appears almost black

‘Lime Marmalade’ vibrant lime-green leaves

‘Caramel,’ recognized for its caramel-colored foliage.

‘Berry Smoothie’ blends pink and silver leaves harmoniously

‘Midnight Rose’ displays dark foliage adorned with vivid hot pink speckles.

There are new varieties of heuchera coming out each year making the options almost endless!

Some Common Coral Bell/Heuchera Questions

Are Coral Bells Deer Resistant?

Like many plants coral bells/heuchera may get sampled by deer on occasion but are generally not a plant that deer enjoy. I’ve found the flower stalks get nibbled on but the leaves generally don’t. Coral bells are a good alternative to hostas in areas where deer may roam!