Coral Bells
Heuchera sanguinea
Also listed as Heuchera townsendii
Climate Match for your location
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Coral Bells is a compact perennial prized for its vibrant, colorful foliage in shades of red, burgundy, bronze, purple, and lime, with delicate spires of small bell-shaped flowers in spring and early summer. It serves as excellent ground cover and edging in shade to part-shade gardens.
Why grow it
Coral Bells offers reliable foliage interest across seasons where many shade perennials fade after flowering, with cultivars ranging from deep burgundy to chartreuse that persist from spring through frost. Compared to other compact perennials like Tiarella or Astilbe, Heuchera brings equally fine texture with more dramatic foliar color and a lower profile suitable for tight edging spaces. The airy flower spikes provide visual lightness without overwhelming the garden composition.
Watch out for
Coral Bells prefers consistent moisture but develops root rot in poorly drained soil, particularly in humid climates or heavy clay. Plants may lose vigor or color intensity if light falls below 2-3 hours of indirect daily sun, and some cultivars prove sensitive to afternoon heat in warm regions. Foliage can look stressed during extended drought or after harsh winter temperature swings, though most recover when conditions stabilize.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mexico
Native to: Arizona, New Mexico, Pennsylvania
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Palace Purple features deep purple foliage and is one of the most popular selections, while Obsidian offers nearly black leaves. Modern hybrids expand the color palette to include bronze, caramel, and lime foliage varieties.
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Coral Bells is a compact perennial prized for its vibrant, colorful foliage in shades of red, burgundy, bronze, purple, and lime, with delicate spires of small bell-shaped flowers in spring and early summer. It serves as excellent ground cover and edging in shade to part-shade gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Coral Bells grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Coral Bells offers reliable foliage interest across seasons where many shade perennials fade after flowering, with cultivars ranging from deep burgundy to chartreuse that persist from spring through frost. Compared to other compact perennials like Tiarella or Astilbe, Heuchera brings equally fine texture with more dramatic foliar color and a lower profile suitable for tight edging spaces. The airy flower spikes provide visual lightness without overwhelming the garden composition.
Watch out for
Coral Bells prefers consistent moisture but develops root rot in poorly drained soil, particularly in humid climates or heavy clay. Plants may lose vigor or color intensity if light falls below 2-3 hours of indirect daily sun, and some cultivars prove sensitive to afternoon heat in warm regions. Foliage can look stressed during extended drought or after harsh winter temperature swings, though most recover when conditions stabilize.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mexico
Native to: Arizona, New Mexico, Pennsylvania
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Palace Purple features deep purple foliage and is one of the most popular selections, while Obsidian offers nearly black leaves. Modern hybrids expand the color palette to include bronze, caramel, and lime foliage varieties.