Blackberry Pie™ Coral Bells

Coral bells form low, rounded mounds of foliage, with slender stems carrying small bell-shaped flowers above the leaves. Heuchera selections vary greatly in leaf color and detail; the group works well where a compact leafy shape can add contrast among grasses, ground-level perennials and taller border plants. ## Landscape Use Use coral bells along the front of a mixed border or in a container where the foliage can be seen close up. Their mounded leaves provide a textured base, while airy summer flowers add a lighter vertical accent. Most Heuchera grow best in partial or dappled shade; leaf color and sun tolerance differ among cultivars, so site this selection in a protected light-shade position unless its exact label recommends otherwise. ## Growing Conditions Plant in well-drained soil that retains some moisture without staying soggy. Many coral bells tolerate dry shade once established, but prolonged bone-dry summer conditions can stress them. Flowers appear on upright stems in summer and attract bees. Most cultivars retain leaves through mild winters, while some lose foliage in severe cold and regrow in spring. The [RHS Heuchera growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/heuchera/growing-guide) covers the genus’s light, soil and seasonal variation; [Kew’s accepted genus record](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30001424-2) places Heuchera in Saxifragaceae. ## Maintenance Water newly planted coral bells regularly through their first growing season, then during long dry spells as needed. Avoid wetting foliage and keep crowns out of standing water. A spring mulch can conserve soil moisture, but leave a small gap around each crown to limit rot.