Heuchera americana (Coral Bells) Unity Grown

Heuchera americana, also known as coral bells or alumroot, is a common semi-evergreen to evergreen perennial native to much of the eastern half of the United States, from New York south to Georgia. The name coral bells comes from the plant’s coral-colored bell shaped flowers, while the name alumroot originates from the plants’ roots historic use as a substitute for alum in the fabric dyeing process. Although coral bells are typically better known today for their flashy, multi-colored cultivars, most of which are hybrids of a few different species, the straight forward Heuchera americana that can be found in the wild is still an excellent choice to bring home. With broad, attractive foliage in shades of dark green, and with tall, attractive flower spikes of cream white blooms growing up to 24” tall, coral bells are an excellent addition to a variety of locations around the home.

Heuchera americana flower spikes are attractive to a wide variety of pollinators, including specialized native bees, while attractive foliage in shades of marble or deeply veined green is both deer and rabbit resistant. Coral bells grows best in well-drained moist to medium-dry shady areas, but can tolerate full sun too (though intense summer sun may result in leaf scorch), and prefers fertile soil to produce the largest leaves and most profuse blooms. Despite the showy colors of other cultivars, Heuchera americana also produces showy foliage in the fall, with some leaves taking on gold or purple hues underneath or accenting the plants’ semi-evergreen shades. For the best results, a good layer of mulch after the first winter freeze will help prevent alumroot from heaving in the early spring.