| Enjoy the 1991 Perennial of the Year, Palace Purple | | | | Small white or pale pink flowers appear on these |
| Coral Bells (Heuchera), almost anywhere in the United | | | | plants in early to mid summer. The Coral Bells are |
| States. This sturdy plant stays low growing with | | | | usually grown for their pleasing foliage colors, but the |
| richly colored foliage, thrives in semi-sun or | | | | flowers add a sweet touch. Colors range from vivid |
| semi-shade, and is not fussy about its care. Simply | | | | gold, warm orange, shades of green, and black |
| keep it watered and enjoy! | | | | purple, so mix several varieties in clumps for a |
| The Coral Bells species are incredibly easy plants to | | | | wonderful effect. |
| grow. They prefer partial shade but will tolerate full | | | | Coral bells should always be planted in masses for |
| sun; foliage colors may fade if they receive too much | | | | best effect. They look great as border plants for a |
| hot sun. They thrive in all kinds of soils (neutral, | | | | formal perennial garden, rock garden accents, edging |
| alkaline, or acid) and will grow in rich soil, sandy soil, or | | | | plants, under fences and around the bases of |
| even clay soils. They like plenty of moisture but will | | | | ornamental trees, in woodland casual gardens, and in |
| not tolerate standing water or soggy conditions, or | | | | containers. (Remember, they are perennials, so |
| severe drought. | | | | container gardens should be saved from year to year |
| These compact plants produce mounds of large, | | | | if planted with heucheras.) |
| colorful, ivy-like leaves. They grow 12-24 inches high | | | | In the fall, water thoroughly right after first frost. Cut |
| and spread 12-18 inches from the mother plant. | | | | the plant back to within 2 inches of ground level and |
| Flowers appear on tall, sturdy stems which typically | | | | apply a straw or leaf mulch 6-8 inches deep. This |
| grow 16-24 inches above the mounded plant. Should | | | | helps prevent root heave. Remember to rake the |
| be divided every two to three years, as they grow | | | | mulch away in the spring so the light and heat can |
| fairly slowly. | | | | reach the baby plants poking up through the frosty |
| If you remove the flower stems when the flowers | | | | ground! |
| fade, they will probably re-bloom, depending on how | | | | Bonus: Heucheras are deer and rabbit resistant!! |
| hot the summer is where you have them planted. | | | | |