Heuchera 'Christa' PP20764

Heuchera 'Christa' PP20764 in the fall.

Common Name: Coral Bells

The young foliage of H. 'Christa' is nearly all rose-purple with a peach underlay. As the leaves mature, the peach color becomes dominant. Light pink flowers are produced in midsummer.

This cultivar is similar to 'Caramel' but the foliage is a brighter orange color and the plant has a smaller habit.

This plant is a Heuchera villosa hybrid. The villosa species is a robust, late blooming type that exhibits an increased tolerance of high heat and humidity over other species. Most villosas produce cream flowers in midsummer, though they are grown more for their fantastic foliage. H. villosa is native to the southeastern United States.

Coral bells are easy to grow and blend easily with most other perennials in the landscape. Because of their low, mounding habit, they are often used as edging along paths or in containers. Try cutting a few of the tall flower scapes for fresh bouquets.

Height:

8.0-10.0 Inches

Spread:

10.0 Inches

Scape Height:

12.0-14.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Orange Shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Formal Modern

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Easy To Grow Edging Mass Planting Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Native to North America

Coral Bells are easy to grow and fit nicely in the front of any border, rock garden, or container. They grow most vigorously and have the stongest colors when grown in partial shade (preferably afternoon shade). They can also be grown in full shade but their growth rate will be very slow. Some varieties can withstand full sun in northern climates if they have consistant moisture, but their colors tend to fade with the intensity of the sun. The soil should be amended with organic matter prior to planting. It should also have good drainage and a neutral pH.

Coral Bells are evergreen in areas with mild winters. If properly sited out of the way of winter winds and with reliable snow cover, gardeners in northern regions may also find their Coral Bells acting as evergreens. If the plant looks tattered by early spring, shear off any damaged leaves to make room for the vibrant new foliage which will fill in quickly.

Coral Bells can be grown under Black Walnut trees because they are resistant to the toxin Juglone which the trees emit from their roots. Heucheras are also salt tolerant. They are useful in the north along pathways which are salted in winter or for people gardening in coastal regions.

Occasionally in northern regions, Coral Bells have a tendancy to heave out of the ground because of the freeze/thaw cycle. To combat heaving, add an extra layer of compost around the plant's roots in the fall. In the spring, if the plants have heaved at all, the new roots will grow into the fresh new layer of compost.

Characteristics