Coral bells (Heuchera 'Pwheu0102' DOLCE MOCHA MINT)
Discover Heuchera 'Pwheu0102' DOLCE MOCHA MINT Coral bells. This 0.75-1.5 ft perennial thrives in zones 5-9, offering silver-laced foliage and vibrant coral-red blooms.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT is a standout herbaceous perennial prized for its vigorous, clump-forming habit and striking foliage display. As a cultivar of Coral bells, this variety offers a vibrant contrast, featuring silver-laced leaves laced with dark green veins that maintain interest throughout much of the year. In early summer, slender stems rise above the basal mound, displaying tiny, eye-catching coral-red flowers.
This selection provides enduring texture and color, fulfilling the versatile role expected of high-quality Coral bells. While adaptable, understanding its specific needs regarding moisture and shade preference is key to maximizing its performance, especially in warmer regions. Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT excels when strategically placed where its unique coloring can brighten shaded borders or containers.
Gardeners value this plant for its medium maintenance requirements and its ability to provide reliable structure in mixed plantings. Its semi-evergreen nature in many climates means you benefit from its compact form and unique leaf coloration even when flowering has finished.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1.5 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
Heucheras are best established in the spring or fall, provided the soil is ready. Select a location that offers organically rich, humusy soil with excellent drainage. While Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT tolerates full sun in cooler northern climates, it generally requires afternoon shade, particularly in southern locations, to prevent leaf scorch. If planted in full sun, consistent moisture management is critical; never let the soil completely dry out.
Water demands are medium—aim for consistently even moisture, especially during establishment. Avoid overhead watering if possible to help deter fungal issues. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is rich; a light application of compost at the base in early spring is usually sufficient.
To keep the mound tidy and encourage potential repeat blooming, remove the faded flower stems immediately after flowering ceases. In colder regions (like Zone 5), apply a winter compost mulch only after the ground freezes to suppress root heaving caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Clumps of Coral bells benefit significantly from division every three to four years, typically performed in the spring.
Landscape Uses
Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT serves beautifully as an effective edger along walkways or paths, defining borders with its mounding habit. Its compact stature makes it ideal for grouping together to mass as a low ground cover beneath larger shrubs or trees in open woodland garden settings. This cultivar is particularly stunning when planted in rock gardens, where the contrast between its silver-laced foliage and rougher stone surfaces is pronounced.
When planning companion plantings, pair Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT with plants sharing similar medium water and shade requirements. Excellent partners include Hostas, Ferns, or ground-covering Geraniums, which complement the leaf textures. Because of its year-round visual appeal, utilizing Heuchera in containers allows you to feature this dynamic color accent prominently, relocating it as needed throughout the season.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heuchera, commonly called coral bells or alumroot, is a genus of about 55 species of evergreen to semi-evergreen herbaceous perennials native across North America. Hybrids offer an expanded palette, and DOLCE MOCHA MINT is a vigorous, clump-forming cultivar featuring silver-laced foliage and attractive coral-red flowers. Its small, lobed, rounded leaves generally form a basal mound up to 8 inches tall, spreading to 15 inches wide, with slender stems rising to 16 inches tall showcasing blooms in late spring.
Tolerances
No explicit data provided for specific tolerances like drought or humidity.
Potential Problems
This variety typically faces no serious insect or disease problems under ideal conditions. The most common cultural issue involves frost heaving, which occurs when winter temperatures fluctuate widely, causing the soil to repeatedly thaw and refreeze, lifting the shallow roots above the soil line. To prevent this, ensure planting depth is correct and apply a protective winter compost mulch only after the ground has frozen solid for the season. Maintaining appropriate soil drainage minimizes risks associated with root rot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?
Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT is hardy and performs best in USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT grow?
This Coral bells cultivar usually reaches a height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet tall, spreading to a width of 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT need?
This plant thrives across a range, performing well in full sun if moisture is consistent, but generally prefers partial shade, especially during hot afternoon hours.
When does Coral bells bloom?
The blooming period for Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT is typically from June to July, noted for its distinctive coral red flowers.
Conclusion
Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT offers exceptional value through its dynamic silver-laced foliage and spirited coral-red summer blooms, making it a must-have vibrant accent among perennial collections. This cultivar of Coral bells provides reliable structure and texture for shaded or partially sunny garden areas. Verify your local USDA hardiness zone placement and plan to install this adaptable perennial in well-draining soil for years of enjoyment.
Companion Planting
When integrating Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT into garden designs, focus on companions that appreciate similar soil richness and moisture levels. Hostas provide excellent leafy contrast in leaf texture and color, further emphasizing the delicate lace of the Coral bells foliage. For bright spring color near the base, consider low-growing spring ephemerals or shade-loving annuals like Impatiens, ensuring neither crowds out the basal mound of the Heuchera.
Propagation Tips
The most practical and recommended propagation method for hybrid cultivars like Heuchera ‘Pwheu0102’ DOLCE MOCHA MINT is division, as seed growing seldom reproduces the desired characteristics. Divide the clumps in spring just as new growth initiates. Carefully dig up the entire mound and gently separate the mature root sections, ensuring each new division has a healthy crown and sufficient roots attached. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared, rich soil at the same depth they were previously growing.
