PerennialsHeuchera micrantha
Coral Bells
Coral Bells is an elegant perennial prized primarily for its striking foliage in shades of purple, bronze and green. The delicate flower stems carry airy clusters of white or pink bells in summer. The plant is evergreen and provides year-round colour.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 30–50 cm
- Spread
- 25–40 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–9
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- white, pink
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. Apply a layer of compost in spring for nourishment. In harsh winters, mulch around the root clump for protection.
Pruning tips
Remove spent flower stems after blooming. Cut away any damaged or aged foliage in early spring. Divide the plant every three to four years to maintain vigour.
Good companions
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
PerennialsAstilbe × arendsii
False Spirea
False Spirea is an elegant shade plant with feathery plumes in pink, red, or white above deeply cut foliage. It blooms from June to August, and the plumes retain their ornamental value even when dried. Astilbe thrives in moist, shady spots where many other plants struggle.
PerennialsBrunnera macrophylla
Siberian Bugloss
Siberian Bugloss is an elegant shade plant with clouds of small sky-blue flowers above large, heart-shaped foliage. Blooming occurs in April and May, reminiscent of common forget-me-nots. The silver-toned leaves of popular cultivars remain decorative throughout the season.