Coral bells (Heuchera sanguinea 'Frosty')
Heuchera sanguinea 'Frosty' Coral bells offer striking variegated foliage and bright red summer blooms. A medium-maintenance perennial for Zones 5-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’, commonly known as Coral bells, is a valued herbaceous perennial prized for its attractive foliage and vibrant, airy flower displays. This cultivar features distinctive variegated leaves marked with silver and green, which provide excellent color contrast in shaded garden settings throughout the growing season. While the species name highlights its blood-red summer flowers, ‘Frosty’ specifically brings bright red blooms atop slender stems.
This clump-forming perennial provides reliable structure, typically reaching up to 1.5 feet in height and spread. It thrives when provided with consistent moisture and well-drained soil conditions, bridging the gap between sunnier borders and deeper woodland areas. Gardeners appreciate Coral bells for their relatively low long-term effort, offering significant visual returns for moderate attention.
The bell-shaped, bright red flowers of Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, adding dynamic wildlife interest to the landscape. Whether utilized in mass plantings or as an edging element, this reliable perennial ensures garden interest from late spring well into summer.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 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: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal health, plant Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ in humusy, organically rich, well-drained soil. While this species performs well in rocky soils, heavy clay must be avoided as moisture retention can cause root issues. Planting is best done in spring or fall, ensuring the variegated foliage receives full sun in cooler northern zones, but benefits from afternoon shade in hotter southern climates where stress can occur quickly.
Watering Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ requires consistency; medium moisture is key. If grown in full sun, soil must not be allowed to dry out, as desiccation leads to foliage scorch and general decline. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the initial soil preparation included ample organic matter.
Maintenance levels are moderate. In cold winter climates, apply a winter mulch after the ground freezes to mitigate damaging root heaving caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Divide clumps every three to four years in the spring to maintain vigor. Deadheading faded flower stems encourages sporadic blooming to extend into the summer, although the rich foliage is often the main attraction of Coral bells.
Landscape Uses
Coral bells, especially variegated types like Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’, excel when massed in beds or borders where their foliage can create a tapestry of color and texture. They serve effectively as edgers along pathways or used to soften the edges of rock gardens, complementing the natural aesthetic of those settings. Their bright red, showy flowers add vertical accent without overwhelming the surrounding plants.
Consider grouping Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ near plants that appreciate similar cultural needs, such as ferns or hostas, which also favor partial shade and rich soil. Their moderate stature makes them an excellent mid-layer component in woodland garden designs, positioned beneath taller shrubs or trees. Furthermore, these reliable perennials perform admirably when incorporated into containers, providing year-round structure in mixed plantings.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heuchera sanguinea, commonly called coral bells, is an herbaceous, clump-forming perennial primarily native to cliffs and alpine areas from New Mexico through northern Mexico. Mature plants form a basal foliage mound typically reaching 8-10” tall and 12” wide, with deeply lobed leaves. Showy, bell-shaped, deep pink to red flowers bloom atop slender stems rising above the foliage. The specific cultivar, ‘Frosty’, is distinguished by its variegated green and silver basal leaves and panicles of attractive bright red flowers which bloom late spring into summer on wiry stems rising above the foliage up to 18” tall.
Tolerances
No data provided.
Potential Problems
This plant generally avoids serious insect or disease issues, making it a relatively worry-free choice for most gardens. The primary potential physical issue gardeners face is frost heaving when winter temperatures fluctuate widely, causing roots to be pushed up out of the soil. To prevent this common problem in colder regions, ensure a protective layer of mulch is applied after the ground has fully frozen in late autumn. Consistent watering during dry spells will also prevent foliage scorch, which is more common when Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ is placed in too much direct, hot sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?
Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ is hardy and best grown in USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Coral bells grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a mature height and spread between 1 and 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ need?
It prefers full sun to part shade, though in hotter locations, afternoon shade is highly recommended to protect the foliage.
When does Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ bloom?
Coral bells typically showcase their bright red flowers between June and July.
Conclusion
The variegated silver and green leaves, coupled with the clear, bright red bloom spike, make Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ an indispensable texture plant for shaded borders and container arrangements. Its evergreen nature in warmer climates further boosts its year-round appeal. Before planting, confirm your site matches the rich, well-drained soil and zone compatibility for this striking Coral bells variety.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions enhances the visual appeal of Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’. Since it requires consistent moisture and partial shade, pairing it with woodland natives that share this preference works well. Consider using ferns with varying textures, such as Japanese Painted Fern or Autumn Fern, which echo the plant’s need for protection from intense midday sun.
For color synergy, employ plants that bloom later in the season, allowing the foliage of Coral bells to dominate until other flowers emerge. Hosta varieties with deep blue or chartreuse leaves contrast beautifully against the silver mottling of the Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ foliage, creating layered complexity in mixed borders.
Propagation Tips
The most effective method for multiplying your clumps of Heuchera sanguinea ‘Frosty’ is spring division. When dividing, carefully dig up the entire clump and gently separate the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a healthy amount of roots and foliage attached. Replant these divisions immediately at the same depth they were previously situated, firming the soil gently around them.
While the straight species of this plant can be grown from seed, division is preferred for maintaining the specific variegated characteristics of the ‘Frosty’ cultivar. Division rejuvenates older plants, increasing the density of the foliage mound and improving flowering performance over time.
