Although Coral Bells have dainty pink, red, or white flowers, it's the foliage that shines.
Gardeners are always looking for perennial flowers that will thrive in shade and provide color. I've got just the plant: coral bells, or heuchera.
This all-American native has species that grow from San Diego to Maine. It's a tough plant with colorful leaves and flowers.
Coral bells have gone through a revolution in the last 20 years, and have become one of the darlings of plant breeders.
Most of the breeding involves selecting new varieties for their leaf color and size.
Although they have dainty pink, red, or white flowers, it’s the foliage that shines.
Coral bell varieties have leaves ranging from a half inch to 12 inches in diameter.
There are varieties with purple, amber, gold, lime-green, silver, red, and peach colored leaves just to name a few.
The silver patches on many varieties are due to air spaces between the leaf layers, which is thought to increase the amount of light the leaves can absorb.
Some of my favorite varieties include Plum Pudding, Amber Waves, Caramel and Lime Rickey.
Not only are these evergreen perennials hardy and easy to care for, the roots have been used medicinally by Native Americans -- and the leaves are edible, adding a slightly sour taste to salads.
Plant coral bells in part shade, protected from the hot afternoon sun, on well-drained, fertile soil.
They don't grow well on clay soils with poor drainage. Plant in groups to create a more dramatic effect.
Although evergreen, they may look ratty come spring, so feel free to cut them back.
Enjoy the flowers and leaves in the garden and as cut flowers indoors as well.
Next week on the Connecticut Garden Journal, I'll be talking about peas. Until then, I'll be seeing you in the garden.
