Coral bells (Heuchera 'Miracle')
Heuchera 'Miracle' Coral bells offers stunning, color-changing foliage and light pink summer blooms. A medium-maintenance perennial ideal for shade.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera ‘Miracle’, commonly known as Coral bells, is a prized herbaceous perennial valued for its remarkable, ever-changing foliage display throughout the growing season. This cultivar forms a tidy, vigorous basal mound, making it an excellent structural plant for mixed borders and shaded garden beds. The appeal of Heuchera ‘Miracle’ lies in the dynamic contrast of its lobed leaves, which transition beautifully from chartreuse with red centers in spring to deep red margins by summer.
This particular variety is noted for displaying enhanced tolerance to hot and humid summers, often attributed to its parentage that includes the SE US native H. Villosa. While it thrives in standard Coral bells culture, understanding its light and moisture needs is key to maximizing its dramatic leaf coloration. Tiny, appealing pink flowers rise above the mound, providing airy summer interest.
As a semi-evergreen perennial in many regions, Heuchera ‘Miracle’ ensures reliable ground cover and seasonal texture where other plants might falter. Planting Heuchera ‘Miracle’ in strategic locations ensures garden structure and vibrant color from early spring well into the cooler months.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Heucheras are fundamentally adapted to organically rich, humusy, medium-moisture, and well-drained soils. It is best to plant Coral bells in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. While parentage dictates ideal culture, most hybrids like Heuchera ‘Miracle’ perform best with protection from the hottest afternoon sun, especially in southern climates.
Consistency in moisture is critical; if you choose to grow Heuchera ‘Miracle’ where it receives full sun, ensure the soil never dries out, as drought stress leads to foliage scorch and decline. Prune faded flower stems (deadheading) to encourage any possible repeat blooming, though the primary appeal remains the foliage.
In colder winter zones, foliage retention depends on the severity of the winter. Apply a winter compost mulch after the ground freezes solid to insulate the roots and prevent root heaving promoted by freeze/thaw cycles. Clumps of Heuchera ‘Miracle’ should be divided every three to four years in the spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Landscape Uses
The compact yet substantial presence of Heuchera ‘Miracle’ makes it incredibly versatile in landscape design. Mass planting these coral bells creates a striking tapestry of color along borders, functioning effectively as a colorful, low-growing edger along the edges of paths or walkways where their dense basal mounds provide clean lines.
Due to their shade tolerance (particularly the shade-loving hybrids), they are superb choices for softening the edges of woodland gardens or brightening up dark corners near large deciduous trees. Consider pairing the deep reds and yellows of Heuchera ‘Miracle’ with lighter textures, such as blue hostas, fine-textured ferns, or silver-leafed Lamium.
For rock gardens, the clump-forming habit of this vigorous perennial allows it to tuck neatly between stones, providing year-round color interest that many traditional rock garden species lack.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heuchera, commonly called coral bells or alumroot, comprises about 55 evergreen to semi-evergreen native North American perennial species thriving in diverse habitats. Modern hybrids, like Heuchera ‘Miracle’, feature expanded leaf color palettes including shades of violet, bronze, and red, often showing streaked or mottled variegation. ‘Miracle’ is especially noted for its vigor and its ability to handle summer heat, forming a basal mound of foliage that matures to deep red with contrasting yellow margins by mid-season.
Tolerances
Although the data provided does not list explicit tolerances, general Heuchera culture suggests moderate tolerance to shade and susceptibility to issues when roots are waterlogged. Consistent moisture is necessary when planted in sunny locations.
Potential Problems
The primary concern for Heuchera ‘Miracle’ is frost heaving, which occurs when wide fluctuations in winter temperatures cause the soil to heave the shallow roots upward; this is mitigated by applying mulch only after the soil has frozen completely. Potential diseases include common fungal issues like powdery mildew and rust, as well as bacterial leaf spot. Keep an eye out for minor insect pests such as weevils and foliar nematodes, which can damage the foliage. Proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help minimize disease risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?
Heuchera ‘Miracle’ is hardy across a wide range, suitable for USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Heuchera ‘Miracle’ grow?
This cultivar forms a basal mound typically achieving 8 inches in height, with the overall spread reaching between 0.75 to 1 foot wide. Flower stalks rise higher, generally up to 18 inches tall.
What sun exposure does Coral bells need?
Heuchera ‘Miracle’ performs well in full sun, especially in cooler northern climates, but generally benefits from some shade during the intense heat of the afternoon, particularly in southern gardens.
When does Coral bells bloom?
Heuchera ‘Miracle’ produces tiny, light pink flowers in spires primarily during the month of June into July.
Conclusion
Heuchera ‘Miracle’ stands out in the perennial garden for its year-round foliage appeal and improved performance in warmer summers, offering dynamic color shifts that keep the landscape interesting. Incorporating this resilient Coral bells cultivar ensures textural contrast and reliable performance where light conditions vary. Before purchasing, confirm that your growing region falls within USDA Zones 4-8 to ensure the best long-term success for your Heuchera ‘Miracle’.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Heuchera ‘Miracle’ should focus on plants that share similar needs for consistent, medium moisture and part shade conditions. Excellent partners include shade-loving groundcovers like Vinca or Pachysandra, which can help maintain even soil temperatures around the coral bells’ roots. Grouping the deep foliage tones of Heuchera ‘Miracle’ with shade-tolerant annuals or perennials featuring bright white or blue flowers can dramatically enhance contrast. Consider pairing it with Hosta varieties that have chartreuse or blue foliage, or lungwort (Pulmonaria), as these plants typically thrive under the same dappled light conditions.
Propagation Tips
While seeds can grow species plants, hybrid varieties such as Heuchera ‘Miracle’ are best propagated through division to maintain their specific characteristics. The ideal time to divide clumps is early in the spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. Carefully dig up the entire clump—which should be divided every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor—and use a sharp spade or knife to separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each new division has a healthy mass of roots and several viable crowns. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were previously growing.
