Coral Bells Plant Care

Coral Bells (Heuchera americana) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Heuchera genus. Coral Bells is native to eastern and central North America while also ranging into Ontario, Canada. Coral Bells is also known as Alumroot.

Coral Bells displays a compact mounds, spreading clumps growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Coral Bells produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers on slender stems in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Coral Bells every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Coral Bells thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Coral Bells in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Heuchera americana tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Coral Bells prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Coral Bells to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Coral Bells every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with part shade to full shade and well-draining, humus-rich soil with added compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coral Bells is suited to USDA Zone 4a – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Coral Bells can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Coral Bells while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Coral Bells is hardy down to USDA zone 4a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Coral Bells can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coral bells plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Coral Bells is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, vine weevils. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Coral Bells grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Coral Bells is native to eastern and central North America while also ranging into Ontario, Canada.