Coral bells (Heuchera 'Oakington Jewel')
Heuchera 'Oakington Jewel' (Coral bells) offers shiny deep-green leaves marbled with purple and tiny coral-red blooms.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’, commonly known as Coral bells, is a cherished herbaceous perennial prized for its resilient and attractive foliage structure. This cultivar forms a dense, basal mound of heart-shaped leaves characterized by a shiny, deep-green surface elegantly marbled with purple accents. In late spring to early summer, slender stems rise to display numerous tiny, bell-shaped, coral-red flowers, adding delicate vertical interest.
As a hybrid variety, Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ benefits from the genetic diversity of its parentage, resulting in a robust plant suitable for shaded garden borders. While generally manageable, achieving the best performance requires matching its medium moisture and soil richness needs to its specific location. The deep green and purple-marbled leaves of this Coral bells selection provide excellent contrast against lighter foliage plants.
Gardeners rely on Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ to offer nearly year-round structure, especially in warmer winters where the foliage remains semi-evergreen. Its moderately compact size makes it highly versatile for various landscape applications, from edging defined pathways to blending seamlessly into woodland settings, fulfilling the ornamental promises associated with the best Coral bells cultivars.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Coral red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting should ideally occur in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ thrives best when situated in organically rich, humusy, well-drained soils with medium moisture retention. While many Coral bells tolerate full sun, especially in northern climates, this variety often performs optimally with some protection from fierce afternoon sun, particularly in southern regions where scorching can occur.
Consistent moisture is crucial for Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’, especially if situated in brighter light conditions; allowing the soil to fully dry out can lead to leaf scorch and decline. Fertilization is generally minimal, focusing instead on enriching the soil with organic matter at planting time. Removing the faded flower stems will help direct the plant’s energy toward producing more foliage, though this is not strictly necessary for survival.
In cold winter climates, the foliage of Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ may vary in winter color retention depending on temperature severity. To guard against root heaving caused by freeze-thaw cycles, apply a winter compost mulch once the ground has frozen solid. Clumps should be refreshed by dividing them in the spring every three to four years to maintain vigorous growth.
Landscape Uses
Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ is exceptionally adaptable, making it a valuable asset in structured garden designs. Its moderate stature and vibrant foliage ensure it functions beautifully when massed together for a lush groundcover effect or planted in smaller groups to create focal points within mixed borders. The strong color contrast provided by the deep green and purple marbling makes it an excellent textural component alongside finer-leaved companions.
Consider using this Coral bells variety as an effective edger along curving paths or walkways where its mounding habit neatly defines the transition between lawn and planting bed. In woodland gardens where dappled light prevails, Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ mingles well with ferns, Hostas, and shade-loving spring ephemerals. Its reliable color ensures visual interest even when flowering is complete.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heuchera, commonly called coral bells or alumroot, is a genus consisting of about 55 species of evergreen to semi-evergreen herbaceous perennials native throughout North America. The species present a wide variety of natural habitats, from prairies to rocky cliffs. Hybrid plants, like ‘Oakington Jewel’, offer expanded foliage colors and flower hues, often featuring rich marbling or variegation. ‘Oakington Jewel’ itself is noted for its clump-forming habit supporting heart-shaped, shiny deep-green leaves marbled with purple, topped by airy panicles of tiny, coral-red flowers.
Tolerances
- Foliage is essentially evergreen in warm winter climates.
Potential Problems
Frost heaving is a notable risk when winter temperatures fluctuate widely, causing roots to be pushed above the soil line, which can desiccate them. Control this by applying a protective layer of mulch after the soil freezes completely in late fall. Foliage can be susceptible to common fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to mitigate spread. Potential insect issues may include weevils or foliar nematodes, often requiring targeted treatment if infestations become noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?
Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ is suitable for USDA Zones 4 through 9, offering flexibility across many temperate regions.
How large does Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ grow?
This variety typically achieves a height between 1.5 and 2.5 feet, spreading to widths of 1 to 1.5 feet, forming a distinct mound.
What sun exposure does Coral bells need?
It performs best in full sun to part shade; however, providing afternoon shade is highly recommended, particularly in hotter climates, to prevent leaf scorch.
When does Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ bloom?
This Coral bells cultivar blooms reliably from June into July, producing delicate spikes covered in coral red, bell-shaped flowers.
Conclusion
Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ stands out as an exceptional low-maintenance perennial due to its enduring, richly marbled foliage and the subtle charm of its coral-red summer blooms. Successfully growing this Coral bells variety involves providing rich, well-drained soil and ensuring consistent moisture, particularly during dry spells. Check your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility and plan to plant this season to enjoy the architectural feature Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ brings to your landscape.
Companion Planting
When selecting partners for Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’, focus on plants that share similar needs for rich soil and partial shade, which helps simplify maintenance routines. Companion plants with contrasting foliage textures amplify the visual impact of the Coral bells’ broad, marbled leaves. Consider pairing this Heuchera with fine-textured ferns or plants providing bright chartreuse foliage, such as Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass), to highlight the deep greens and purples of ‘Oakington Jewel’.
Groundcovers that suppress weeds without competing heavily for root space are excellent companions at the front edge of a border. Low-growing ajuga or low mounds of perennial geraniums can soften the edges around the clump-forming habit of the Coral bells. Ensure that any accompanying plants do not require intense morning light, as this might clash with the preferred partial shade cultural needs of Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’.
Propagation Tips
The most reliable method for increasing your stock of Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ is through division, as this preserves the exact qualities of the named hybrid. This process should be conducted in early spring before vigorous new growth begins or immediately after the flowering season wanes. Gently dig up the entire clump and carefully separate the tightly packed root ball into sections, ensuring each new division retains several healthy crowns and a proportionate amount of root mass.
After dividing the Heuchera ‘Oakington Jewel’ sections, allow the freshly separated roots to air dry slightly for a few hours if the soil was particularly damp; this can encourage firmer establishment once replanted. Replant the new divisions immediately into prepared garden soil or pots, ensuring the crown sits just at the soil surface, and water thoroughly. While some species plants can be grown from seed, for named hybrids, division is the only guaranteed means of propagation.
