Coral bells (Heuchera 'Silver Lode')
Heuchera 'Silver Lode' Coral bells offer silvery gray-green foliage and airy white blooms in summer. Zones 4-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’, commonly known as Coral bells, is a sophisticated hybrid valued for its striking, silvery foliage set against darker veining. This clump-forming perennial provides critical color contrast in the garden, long after the bloom season has concluded. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in various light conditions, making it a versatile staple for shaded to partially sunny borders.
As a herbaceous perennial, Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ establishes a handsome basal mound of lobed leaves that reaches impressive size after a couple of years. The upper leaf surface is silvery gray-green, beautifully contrasting with the dark reddish-purple underside. This cultivar distinguishes itself with tall, airy panicles of tiny, whitish flowers displayed against the backdrop of its mottled leaves.
Gardeners appreciate Coral bells for their relatively straightforward care needs and significant season-long ornamental impact. The cultivar ‘Silver Lode’ offers reliable performance across USDA Zones 4 through 9, enhancing woodland margins, rock gardens, and foundational plantings with its unique texture and color palette.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-3 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ during the cooler parts of the growing season—spring or fall—to allow for robust root establishment before summer heat. These Coral bells prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, mimicking the dappled light conditions of a woodland setting. While they tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates, providing afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch and maintains the vibrancy of the silver foliage.
Maintain even moisture, especially during the first year, adhering to a medium watering schedule. Avoid letting the crowns sit in soggy soil, as this increases the risk of crown rot. Fertilization is generally minimal; a light feeding with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support vigorous growth, but over-fertilizing can dilute leaf coloration.
Deadheading the spent flower stalks of Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ is optional but recommended for a tidier appearance after the main bloom in June and July. In spring, clean up any winter debris and trim back old, tattered leaves to encourage fresh, vibrant growth. Be mindful of frost heaving, particularly in Zones 4 and 5 during periods of freeze-thaw cycles.
Landscape Uses
Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ excels when massed in groups, creating a flowing river of silvery foliage that brightens darker areas of the garden. Its upright habit, with flower scapes reaching up to 3 feet tall, makes it highly effective as a middle-layer plant in layered borders, contrasting nicely with lower groundcovers or taller shrubs. The cultivar ‘Silver Lode’ is particularly recommended for its use along paths and walkways where its unique leaf surface catches the light.
Consider planting these Coral bells alongside deep green hostas or deep purple-leaved plants to maximize the contrast effect of the silvery leaves. In rock gardens, the mounding form spills attractively over stone edges. For open woodland gardens, pair them with ferns or other shade-tolerant perennials that appreciate similar soil and moisture conditions.
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 which are all native to North America. Leaves of hybrid plants are available in an expanded variety of colors including various shades of green, blue-green, violet, purple, maroon, bronze, silver-black, orange-yellow, yellow, or red, but often with a streaked, mottled or marbled variegation which sometimes includes bold contrasting veins. ‘Silver Lode’ is a clump-forming, hybrid coral bells cultivar; its upper leaf surfaces are silvery gray-green with darker gray-green veining, and the flower stems rise to 30-36” tall bearing tiny, whitish flowers.
Tolerances
- Frost heaving of roots may occur when winter temperatures fluctuate widely.
Potential Problems
Frost heaving of roots may occur if winter temperatures fluctuate widely, necessitating mulch application for insulation in marginal zones. Potential disease issues include powdery mildew, which thrives in humid, stagnant conditions; ensure good air circulation around your Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ to mitigate this risk. Watch for insect pests such as weevils and foliar nematodes actively feeding on the leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?
Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ is suitable for USDA Zones 4-9, offering reliable perennial performance across these ranges.
How large does Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ grow?
This cultivar typically forms a basal mound measuring 8-12 inches tall, spreading to 1-1.5 feet wide, with flower stalks rising up to 3 feet.
What sun exposure does Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ need?
Coral bells require full sun to part shade; in hotter climates, ensuring protection from intense afternoon sun helps preserve the striking silvery leaf color.
When does Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ bloom?
Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ produces its blooms, which are white, during the early summer months, specifically from June to July.
Conclusion
The cultivar Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ stands out as an indispensable perennial for adding bright, textured foliage to partially shaded areas where few other plants offer such reliable year-round interest. Its pairing of silvery leaves with delicate white blooms provides excellent focal interest, confirming why Coral bells are garden favorites. Plan your planting in spring or fall and ensure excellent drainage to enjoy your Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ for many seasons.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors is crucial for maximizing the impact of Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’. Since this cultivar prefers medium moisture and protection from the harshest afternoon sun, pair it with other woodland-edge plants. Fine examples include various Hosta cultivars, especially those with deep blue or chartreuse foliage, which create a visually stunning texture and color contrast against the silvery leaves of the Coral bells.
Consider adding spring-blooming bulbs like Daffodils or Snowdrops nearby; as the bulbs fade, the consistent foliage of Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ takes over, ensuring continuous garden appeal through early summer. For ground cover, use low-growing Geraniums or Vinca minor, as they share similar cultural needs regarding soil drainage and light intensity.
Propagation Tips
Division is the easiest and most effective way to propagate Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ and maintain cultivar purity. This process should ideally be performed every few years in early spring before new growth fully emerges or in early fall. Gently lift the clump using a sharp spade or garden fork, taking care not to damage the main crown too severely.
Once lifted, gently tease apart the root ball into sections, ensuring each new division has a healthy segment of crown and several viable roots attached. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared soil, setting the crown just at the soil line—planting too deeply can lead to rot. Water thoroughly after dividing and replanting the Heuchera ‘Silver Lode’ to settle the soil around the new roots.
