Coralbells Comparison

The Heuchera genus includes over 30 recognized species, all native to much of North America. They are found on a wide variety of sites, from rocky outcroppings to wooded meadows, with a variety of different growth habits. Although useful for many landscape applications, Coralbells were not widely used until the 1980's. Today, there are a plethora of cultivars available with different foliage colors, flowers, and growth forms. At Johnson’s Nursery, we try to limit our inventory to those varieties we know are successful for our Southeastern Wisconsin soils and climate.

Coralbells are also known as Alumroot, a name derived from their medicinal properties as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. The genus name Heuchera is a reference to the German botanist and physician Johann Heinrich von Heucher.

Wildlife Value

While not a key species for wildlife in Wisconsin, Coralbells provide value as a nectar source. The petite flowers will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Pests/Problems

Coralbells have no major insect and disease issues but can be subject to frost heaving in winter. Occasionally you may find powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot. The plants can also be damaged by weevils and nematodes. These diseases, however, are not major and best avoided by maintaining good plant vigor and siting properly.

For the most part, Coralbells are deer and rabbit resistant due to their fuzzy stems and leaves.

Maintenance Tips

In general, Coralbells are tough plants with few problems. While tolerant of alkaline soils, Coralbells can experience rot with poor drainage. Amending soil with compost when planting will mitigate this issue.

In full sun, the leaves can scorch if there is not enough soil moisture. Conversely, they can get crown rot in shade with too much moisture. Divide in spring when center has become woody (typically every 3-4 years).

Coralbells can frost heave in Wisconsin winters if improperly planted or not adequately protected. When planting, amend soil with compost and plant even with the surrounding soil. Applying a fall mulch of 3-4” will prevent frost heaving. If frost heaving is noticed, push the crown back into the soil to protect the roots.

Spent flower stalks can be removed when they have stopped blooming. This may encourage a second bloom. The leaves are semi evergreen and may hold their color if winter is not too severe, or if adequately protected with mulch and snow cover. Damaged and withered leaves should be cleaned up in spring.