Coral bells (heuchera) Heuchera americana
Coral bells (heuchera) (Heuchera americana) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Saxifragaceae family, native to Eastern and central North America. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Coral bells (heuchera) in your garden →
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Coral bells (heuchera) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern and central North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Coral bells (heuchera) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic by ASPCA; no significant toxicity reported for Heuchera.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Coral bells (heuchera)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Coral bells (heuchera)
- How far apart should I plant Coral bells (heuchera)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Coral bells (heuchera) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Coral bells (heuchera) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Coral bells (heuchera)?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Coral bells (heuchera) flower?
- From about June for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Coral bells (heuchera) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic by ASPCA; no significant toxicity reported for Heuchera.
- What grows well with Coral bells (heuchera)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Coral bells (heuchera). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Semi-evergreen; the species is grown for its marbled foliage and airy flower stems, while hybrid heucheras have more colourful leaves. Needs good drainage and is prone to frost heave.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Astilbe Astilbe x arendsii
- Elephant's ears (bergenia) Bergenia cordifolia
- Encrusted saxifrage Saxifraga paniculata
- Purple saxifrage Saxifraga oppositifolia
- Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia
- Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) Saxifraga stolonifera
- Chestnut-leaved rodgersia Rodgersia aesculifolia
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus