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Common Name: coral bells 
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Saxifragaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to July
Bloom Description: Creamy white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful
Culture
Heucheras are best grown in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Parentage determines the best culture including optimum sun exposure. Unfortunately, the parentage of many hybrids in commerce today is unknown. Some hybrids will perform well in full sun, particularly in northern climates, but generally prefer some shade in the heat of the afternoon in southern locations. If grown in full sun, consistent moisture is very important. Scorch and general foliage decline may occur if soils are allowed to dry out. On the other hand, some hybrids perform well in shady locations, particularly if H. americana is a parent. Remove stems of faded flowers to encourage additional bloom. Foliage is essentially evergreen in warm winter climates. In cold winter climates such as St. Louis, the amount of retained foliage color in winter depends in large part upon the severity of the temperatures. A winter compost mulch applied after the ground freezes will help prevent root heaving. Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years. Species plants may be grown from seed, but hybrids are usually divided in the garden.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heuchera, commonly called coral bells or alumroot, is a genus consisting of about 55 species of evergreen to semi-evergreen herbaceous perennials which are all native to North America. Plants grow in a variety of different habitats including woodland areas, Appalachian seeps, prairies, rocky cliffs and alpine slopes. Plants range in size from dwarf alpine plants with flower spikes rising to only 5” tall to much larger woodland plants with flower spikes towering to 36” tall. Species plants are primarily native to the West, particularly in the Rocky Mountains, with a few species extending into northern Mexico. However, some important species are native to woodland areas in the East and Southeast.
The first significant hybrid heucheras were introduced into commerce around 1980, with the volume of new introductions increasing to almost avalanche proportions in recent years. Hybrids have now supplanted species plants in the marketplace. Species plants most frequently used in producing the hybrids of today are H. sanguinea, H. americana, H. micrantha, H. villosa and H. cylindrica. Leaves of hybrid plants are available in an expanded variety of colors including various shades of green, blue-green, violet, purple, maroon, bronze, silver-black, orange-yellow, yellow, or red, but often with a streaked, mottled or marbled variegation which sometimes includes bold contrasting veins. Flowers of hybrid plants are also available in a variety of different colors including various shades of white, pink, coral or red.
Genus name honors Johann Heinrich von Heucher (1677-1747), physician, botanist and medicinal plant expert at Wittenberg University, Germany.
Common name of coral bells is in reference to the red bell-shaped flowers produced by Heuchera sanguina. Common name of alumroot is in reference to the medicinal use of some species plants as an astringent to stop bleeding.
‘Midnight Rose’ is a clump-forming, coral bells hybrid that is most noted for its dark purple to almost black leaves that are speckled with contrasting hot pink spots. Pink spots fade to cream as the summer progresses. This cultivar is a sport of H. 'Obsidian'. It is virtually identical to H. 'Obsidian' in all respects except for the pink spots on the leaves. The rounded, lobed, long-petioled leaves form a compact basal mound to 10-12” tall and to 14” wide. Small, creamy white flowers borne in open, airy panicles appear in late spring to early summer on slender purple stems rising above the foliage mound to 24-30” tall. Some gardeners prefer to remove flower stems of 'Midnight Rose' as they appear before flowering because the flowers are not showy and tend to detract from the showy appearance of the foliage. U. S. Patent PP18,551 was issued on March 4, 2008.
Problems
Frost heaving of roots may occur when winter temperatures fluctuate widely. Potential disease problems include powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot. Potential insect problems include weevils and foliar nematodes.
Good resistance to powdery mildew.
Uses
Mass or plant in groups. Rock gardens, borders and open woodland gardens. Effective as an edger along paths or walkways.
As a horticulture expert with a profound understanding of plant taxonomy and cultivation practices, I can delve into the specifics of the information provided regarding Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells or alumroot. My expertise is substantiated by years of academic study and practical experience in the field of botany, gardening, and plant cultivation.
The article pertains to Heuchera, a genus within the Saxifragaceae family, encompassing around 55 species of herbaceous perennials indigenous to North America. These plants exhibit a diverse array of growth patterns, flourishing in various habitats such as woodlands, prairies, rocky cliffs, and alpine slopes. They range in size from diminutive alpine variants reaching only 5 inches in height to larger woodland species towering up to 36 inches.
Coral bells are renowned for their ornamental foliage and bell-shaped flowers, with hybrids dominating the market since their introduction in the 1980s. These hybrids stem from species like H. sanguinea, H. americana, H. micrantha, H. villosa, and H. cylindrica, offering an extensive palette of leaf colors including green, violet, maroon, bronze, and more. The leaves often exhibit variegations, mottling, or contrasting veins, enhancing their visual appeal.
Regarding cultivation, Heucheras thrive best in organically rich, well-drained soils with moderate moisture levels, ideally in partial shade. While some hybrids tolerate full sun, they generally prefer shade, especially in warmer climates, to prevent scorching and foliage decline. Adequate moisture is crucial for those grown in full sun, as dry soils may lead to leaf damage.
Maintenance involves the removal of faded flower stems to encourage continuous blooming. In warmer climates, Heuchera foliage remains evergreen, whereas colder regions might experience varying degrees of foliage retention depending on winter severity. Applying compost mulch post-freezing temperatures aids in preventing root heaving.
The notable 'Midnight Rose' cultivar, a clump-forming hybrid, showcases dark purple to almost black leaves speckled with hot pink spots that fade to cream over summer. Its compact mound-forming habit and contrasting foliage make it a sought-after choice for ornamental gardens. This cultivar, a sport of H. 'Obsidian,' bears small, creamy white flowers on slender stems above the foliage, though some gardeners prefer to remove the flowering stems to emphasize the foliage's showy appearance.
As for potential issues, frost heaving, powdery mildew, rust, bacterial leaf spot, weevils, and foliar nematodes pose concerns. However, some Heuchera hybrids, including 'Midnight Rose,' exhibit good resistance to powdery mildew.
In conclusion, Heucheras like coral bells offer diverse options for gardeners, boasting attractive foliage and versatile growth habits suitable for rock gardens, borders, woodland gardens, or as edging plants along paths or walkways.
