Coral Bells
We did a lot of gardening today. Still very cold outside, but at least it was bright and sunny. Sadly, one of our Japanese maples didn't survive the winter, so we've moved its twin to a container in a more sheltered spot where it will hopefully avoid the same fate. A pair of big Photinias will take over from the maples, and I got those into the ground this afternoon. I also had to transplant several colourful Heucheras to make room for the new trees, so these became the subjects for today's Blip.
Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, might seem like a recent addition to the garden scene, but its roots delve surprisingly deep into botanical history. Travel back to the 18th century, and you'll find European explorers encountering these North American (with one exception) perennials for the first time. These early documentations laid the groundwork for the Heuchera we know today, named after Johann Heinrich Heucher, a German physician and botanist who likely played a role in its classification.
While the bell-shaped flowers gracing Heuchera in late spring or early summer hold a certain charm, the true stars of the show are the leaves. Unlike many shade-loving plants, Heuchera explodes with colour. The variety is astounding, from fiery reds and sunny oranges to calming greens and deep purples. Some adventurous cultivars even boast striking marbled or veined patterns, adding another layer of visual interest.
This colour explosion doesn't require a green thumb. Planting Heuchera is a breeze. They're happiest in moist, well-drained soil, so composting your planting hole is a great idea. Partial shade is their sweet spot, offering protection from the harsh midday sun while allowing them to soak up some morning light. When it comes to spacing, consider the mature size of your chosen variety – typically, 12-18 inches between plants is a good rule of thumb.
Beyond its visual appeal, Heuchera offers several benefits to gardeners. They're relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. Plus, their compact size makes them perfect for various garden settings. Imagine lining a shady path with a border of lime green Heuchera or adding a pop of colour to a container arrangement with a burgundy variety. Heuchera can brighten up those challenging, dry areas under trees, as some cultivars boast surprising drought tolerance.
So, the next time you're looking for a shade-loving gem to add pizzazz to your garden, consider the unassuming Heuchera. Its rich history, stunning foliage, and easy-going nature make it a guaranteed conversation starter and a welcome splash of colour in any shady corner.
