Coral bells (Heuchera 'Mt. St. Helens')

Overview

Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’, commonly known as Coral bells, is a standout herbaceous perennial valued for its reliable structure and vibrant springtime color display. While many modern hybrids are celebrated for dramatic foliage, ‘Mt. St. Helens’ distinguishes itself with sprays of tiny, bright red, bell-shaped flowers reaching high above the basal mound of leaves. This plant offers significant aesthetic impact with minimal effort, classifying it as a low-maintenance garden staple.

This cultivar forms a neat, clump-forming mound, typically reaching 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, making it versatile for various garden settings. As with many hybrid Coral bells, its cultural success hinges on the balance of sun and water; while appreciating light shade, consistent moisture is key, especially if a sunnier location is chosen.

The dependable performance and the charming, airy flower spikes of Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’ make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and color contrast to perennial beds, rock gardens, or woodland edges throughout USDA Zones 3 through 9.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: June to July
• Bloom Description: Bright red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Heuchera are best grown in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Ideally, plant Coral bells in partial shade, especially protecting them from intense afternoon sun in warmer climates. While the parentage of many hybrids is unknown, ‘Mt. St. Helens’ appreciates consistent moisture; if established in full sun, you must ensure soils never completely dry out to prevent foliage scorch.

Watering should be consistent, aiming for medium moisture levels. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is rich in organic matter. Maintenance is low; the most frequent task is removing stems of faded flowers to encourage a longer, cleaner display.

In cold winter climates, the foliage of Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’ may look diminished depending on temperature severity. To prevent root heaving caused by fluctuating winter temperatures, apply a winter compost mulch only after the ground freezes solid. In spring, divide clumps every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor.

Landscape Uses

Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’ excels when used to provide contrast against contrasting foliage plants. Due to its mounding habit and medium height, it is highly effective as an edger along paths or walkways, defining borders cleanly.

Consider planting Coral bells in mass groupings for maximum impact, or use individual specimens within rock gardens where good drainage is easily achieved. They also integrate beautifully into open woodland garden settings where filtered light mimics their native environments. Pair them with hostas, ferns, or spring-blooming bulbs which share similar moisture and shade preferences.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

‘Mt. St. Helens’ is a clump-forming perennial featuring a basal mound of heart-shaped, lobed leaves. Tiny, bright-red, bell-shaped flowers are borne on slender stems that extend well above the foliage in late spring to early summer. This cultivar belongs to a genus native to diverse North American habitats, ranging from rocky cliffs to woodlands.

Tolerances

There are no specific tolerance data provided for this cultivar in this profile.

Potential Problems

Root heaving is a potential issue, occurring when winter temperatures fluctuate widely, causing the soil to expand and contract above the freezing line. To mitigate this, apply a winter mulch only after the ground freezes. Potential disease issues in humid conditions include powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot. Watch for pests such as weevils and foliar nematodes, managing them promptly if outbreaks occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?

Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’ is robust across a wide range, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 9.

How large does Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’ grow?

This perennial typically forms a basal mound reaching between 1 and 2 feet tall, with a spread between 1 and 1.5 feet.

What sun exposure does Coral bells need?

Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’ performs best in full sun to part shade conditions, though afternoon shade is recommended in hotter regions.

When does Coral bells bloom?

This variety features its bright red blooms during the early summer months, typically blooming from June to July.

Conclusion

The reliable structure and cheerful, bright red blooms make Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’ an invaluable addition to almost any mixed border or woodland garden. Its low maintenance requirements ensure that this cultivar provides season-long appeal without demanding constant attention. Before planting, confirm that your location offers the organically rich soil and consistent medium moisture that this lovely Coral bells variety requires to flourish.

Propagation Tips

Since Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’ is a hybrid, propagation is best achieved through division rather than seed, ensuring you retain the desired characteristics. The ideal time to divide large clumps is in the spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Carefully dig up the entire clump, gently tease apart the root ball into sections, ensuring each new piece has a healthy portion of roots and crown tissue. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared, humus-rich soil at the same depth they were previously growing.

Companion Planting

Effective companion planting for Heuchera ‘Mt. St. Helens’ should focus on species that share similar needs for consistent moisture and partial afternoon shade, while offering textural contrast. Consider pairing the medium-green leaves of this Coral bells with darker-leaved Hosta cultivars or fine-textured shade-loving ferns. Early spring bulbs like snowdrops or scilla provide a fleeting bloom show before the Heuchera flowers peak in June, creating layers of interest in the border.