Coral bells (Heuchera 'Cherries Jubilee')
Heuchera 'Cherries Jubilee' coral bells offer conspicuous cherry-red flowers atop ruffled, warm brownish foliage. A lovely perennial for shade or partial sun gardens.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’, commonly known as coral bells, is a highly valued hybrid cultivar prized for its clump-forming nature and striking summer blooms. This plant provides excellent texture and color contrast, making it a staple in mixed perennial borders and woodland settings. Its foliage offers year-round interest, particularly in milder winter climates.
The appeal of Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ lies in its combination of ruffled, warm brownish leaves and the vibrant display of its flowers. Flowering occurs from June through July, showcasing conspicuous cherry-red blossoms carried on airy stems above the basal mound. Growing to a modest size of about 1 to 1.5 feet tall and wide, it fits perfectly into established garden designs.
As a North American native genus hybrid, coral bells offer reliable performance when cultural needs are met. They prefer rich, well-drained soil and partial shade, though site conditions greatly influence their performance. Understanding the needs of Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ ensures vibrant foliage and robust flowering throughout its season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Cherry red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ is ideally done in spring or fall when planting shock is minimized. Select a location offering organically rich, humusy, medium-moisture soil that drains well. While some hybrids tolerate full sun, especially in cooler regions, coral bells generally perform best with afternoon shade, mitigating the risk of leaf scorch in hot locations.
Consistent moisture is crucial for Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’, particularly if grown in brighter light conditions, as allowing the soil to dry out can lead to foliage decline. Maintenance is generally low; gardeners should remove faded flower stems to encourage any potential repeat blooming. In cold winter areas, applying a winter compost mulch after the ground freezes helps stabilize the soil and prevents root heaving caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
These perennials benefit from rejuvenation every few years. Dig up and divide clumps every spring, typically every 3 to 4 years, to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. This division process is the standard method for propagating hybrid coral bells like Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’.
Landscape Uses
Coral bells, including the stunning Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’, excel as foundational plants in mixed borders where their rich foliage can anchor seasonal color change. They function beautifully when massed or planted in complementary drifts, providing consistent year-round architecture. Their refined texture makes them excellent edgers along pathways or walkways where their mounding habit creates a soft, clean line.
Consider grouping Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ near plants that appreciate similar moisture and light conditions, such as hostas or ferns, to enhance a woodland garden aesthetic. Their compact size also makes them excellent candidates for rock gardens or when tucked into the foreground of perennial beds. The cherry-red flowers add a surprising vertical element to low-growing groundcovers.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heuchera, commonly called coral bells or alumroot, belongs to a genus of about 55 North American native evergreen to semi-evergreen herbaceous perennials. Hybrid cultivars like Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ feature expanded leaf color palettes, often mottled or variegated, which complement the pink, coral, or red flowers. This specific hybrid is recognized by its conspicuous cherry-red flowers and large, ruffled, warm brownish leaves forming a basal mound.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Frost heaving of the roots is a significant concern when winter temperatures fluctuate rapidly; amending the soil and applying mulch after the ground freezes can mitigate this risk. Watch for potential disease issues, including powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot, which often signal poor air circulation or overly wet conditions. Insect pests such as weevils and foliar nematodes require monitoring, though severe infestations are less common in well-maintained garden environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?
Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ is suitable for cultivation within USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Coral bells grow?
This variety typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a corresponding spread of 1 to 1.5 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ need?
Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ thrives in full sun to part shade conditions, though afternoon shade is recommended in hotter climates.
When does Coral bells bloom?
This cultivar displays its distinctive blooms from June into July.
Conclusion
Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ remains an essential perennial, noted for its year-round foliage presence and striking cherry-red summer flowers. Successfully growing these coral bells requires attention to drainage and sufficient moisture, particularly during hot weather. Before planting, always confirm that the USDA hardiness zone of your location aligns with the requirements for Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’.
Companion Planting
When designing a mixed border featuring Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’, select companions that share similar cultural needs, particularly regarding moisture retention and light preference. Plants that thrive in part shade and rich, humusy soil, such as Astilbe, Hosta, and various woodland ferns, create an ideal environment. Use lighter-colored companions to make the rich foliage tones of the Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ truly pop.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the ideal time to divide overcrowded clumps of coral bells and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if soil enrichment is needed. During the summer bloom period, deadhead spent flower stalks to keep your Heuchera ‘Cherries Jubilee’ looking tidy and potentially encourage a light rebloom. In late fall, after the ground freezes in cold climates, apply a winter compost mulch around the base of the crown to insulate the shallow roots against harsh temperature swings.
