Two kinds of red
Red turns up in two places on a coral bell. The first is the flower: Heuchera sanguinea is called coral bells because its small bells are cerise to coral red. The second is the foliage, where garden hybrids offer burgundy, wine, copper, crimson and nearly black leaves, a colour that is on show for months rather than weeks.
Most red gardeners are really buying the leaf colour, so be clear about which one you want.
Getting the strongest red
- Dark and red-leaved forms tolerate more sun than pale types, but too little light turns them green.
- Give them morning sun and afternoon shade where you can.
- Protect against vine weevil in pots, because red-leaved plants are not immune.
- Cut back tatty leaves in spring so that young, richly coloured growth takes over.
Neighbours in the border
Red leaves look good with silver foliage such as Brunnera, with grasses, or beside lime-green plants such as Alchemilla. Tulips and bulbs coming through them in spring add contrast.
Winter colour in mild weather
A benefit of Irish winters is that evergreen Heuchera often keeps its leaves and colour right through, giving pots of colour when most perennials are bare. A hard frost can lift crowns out of the ground, so push them back firmly.
Kind to curious paws
Red-leaved coral bells are not poisonous to dogs, cats or horses, says the ASPCA entry for Heuchera sanguinea. A pot of them is a safe choice for a house with animals.
