Coral Bells (specifically 'Silver Gumdrop' or similar cultivar)
Scientific Name: Heuchera hybrid
Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
Native Region: North America
Brief Description
A clumping evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial known for its striking foliage. This variety features silver-metallic leaves with dark charcoal veining and vibrant burgundy-red undersides.
Care Instructions
Place in partial shade with well-draining, humus-rich soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the shallow root system, and feed once in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
Medicinal Value
We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.
Sunlight
Partial shade to full shade (2-4 hours of sunlight). While some cultivars allow more sun, silver varieties often lose color or scorch in intense direct light.
Watering
Moderate watering; keep soil moist. It is relatively drought tolerant once established, but it will wilt if the soil dries out completely. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0).
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Growth Habit
Herbaceous perennial forming a compact, rounded mound roughly 6-10 inches tall and 12-16 inches wide.
Bloom Season
Late spring to mid-summer; produces tiny bell-shaped flowers on tall, thin wands rising above the foliage, typically in shades of pink or white.
Toxicity
Generally considered non-toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses.
Propagation
Most easily propagated by division in early spring or fall every 3-4 years. Can also be grown from seed, though cultivars like this one rarely grow true to type from seed.
Common Pests & Issues
Mainly susceptible to Heuchera rust (fungus), powdery mildew, and strawberry root weevils. 'Heaving' can occur in winter where the plant is pushed out of the soil by frost.
Similar Species
Tiarella (Foamflower) and x Heucherella (a cross between the two). Tiarella leaves are deeper lobed and lack the metallic colors, while Heucherella combines traits of both.
Interesting Facts
The genus was named after Johann Heinrich von Heucher, an 18th-century German physician and botanist. The common name 'Coral Bells' refers to the delicate bell-like shape of the flowers.
Created At: 2026-05-16T18:48:32.748761