Coral bells (Heuchera 'Melting Fire')
Heuchera 'Melting Fire' Coral bells offer distinctive, vibrant crimson foliage maturing to deep maroon, blooming white in summer. Ideal for zones 4-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’, a popular selection among Coral bells cultivars, is prized for its dramatic, ever-changing foliage color that lasts nearly year-round. This herbaceous perennial provides continuous visual interest, with leaves emerging in a striking bright crimson before settling into a rich, dark maroon throughout the summer heat. Its compact, mounding habit makes it an excellent structural element in mixed plantings.
These Coral bells bring texture and vibrant color to the garden, further brightened by airy panicles of delicate white, bell-shaped flowers in early summer. While parentage varies widely among commercial hybrids, Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ generally thrives in well-drained, organically rich soil. Proper siting, often involving afternoon shade in hotter climates, is key to maintaining its rich leaf coloration and overall vigor.
Adding tremendous value to shaded borders or woodland gardens, Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ acts as a superb foliage anchor. Its reliable performance across USDA Zones 4 through 9 ensures that gardeners can enjoy this fiery variety for many seasons, making it a staple choice for low-light areas needing a bright focal point.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1.5 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
Planting Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ is best done when the soil is workable, typically in spring or fall, ensuring the crown is level with the surrounding soil. These Coral bells flourish in organically rich, humusy soils that maintain a medium moisture level but drain exceptionally well. While many hybrids tolerate full sun, especially in northern regions, most benefit significantly from some afternoon shade to prevent scorching, particularly if planted in full sun locations where consistent moisture is mandatory.
Consistent watering is critical, especially for Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ grown in sunnier niches; do not allow soils to dry out completely, as this invites leaf scorch and decline. Fertilization is seldom necessary if the soil structure is robust and amended annually with compost. Pruning involves simply removing the spent flower stems (deadheading) immediately after blooming concludes to encourage any possible secondary bloom and maintain a neat shape.
In cold winter climates, protect Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ from fluctuating temperatures by applying a compost mulch only after the ground has frozen solid; this prevents root heaving. Foliage retention varies by winter severity, but clumps benefit from division every three to four years during the spring to revitalize the plant and prevent overcrowding.
Landscape Uses
Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ is exceptionally versatile due to its vibrant, year-round color presence. It excels when massed or planted in thoughtful groupings to create dynamic sweeps of color against green backdrops. This cultivar performs beautifully as a low, colorful edger defining the lines of winding paths or walkways where its ruffled foliage catches the light.
For borders and foundation plantings, these Coral bells provide crucial contrast against broad-leaved hostas or fine-textured ornamental grasses. They are also well-suited for rock gardens, adding unexpected warmth to stony environments, or tucked into open woodland garden settings where they thrive under dappled light.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heuchera, commonly called coral bells or alumroot, is a genus native to North America featuring evergreen to semi-evergreen herbaceous perennials. The leaves of hybrid plants like Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ display an expanded color palette, often with contrasting variegation. ‘Melting Fire’ specifically forms a basal mound with lobed, ruffled leaves emerging bright crimson, darkening to maroon, atop which delicate white flowers bloom.
Tolerances
No data provided.
Potential Problems
Frost heaving is a significant concern when winter temperatures fluctuate widely, potentially pushing roots toward the surface. Growers should monitor for potential airborne fungal issues such as powdery mildew and rust, as well as bacterial leaf spot on the foliage. Insect pests are generally minor but can include weevils or foliar nematodes, usually only affecting plants under significant stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?
Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ is hardy and adaptable across USDA Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Coral bells grow?
This variety typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet, with a similar spread of 0.75 to 1.5 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ need?
It performs best in full sun to part shade conditions, though southern gardeners should favor afternoon shade.
When does Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ bloom?
These Coral bells produce their light-colored blooms, described as white, between June and July.
Conclusion
Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ remains a superstar perennial due to its spectacular, durable foliage that shifts color throughout the seasons, significantly boosting garden appeal. Incorporating these vibrant Coral bells into your shade or partial sun spaces ensures consistent texture and fiery color. Check your local microclimate to determine the best sun exposure before finalizing your planting location this season.
Companion Planting
Companion planting near Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ often focuses on plants that share similar moisture and light requirements, creating rich tapestry effects. Pair the mounding habit and deep red tones with silver-leaved, fine-textured foliage like Artemisia or Dicentra (Bleeding Heart). Hostas with large, blue-green leaves make excellent contrasting partners, highlighting the brighter crimson emerging in spring on your Coral bells.
Propagation Tips
The primary and easiest method for increasing the stock of Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ is through division, as seed propagation can lead to mixed results, especially with named hybrids. Divide clumps every three to four years in the early spring before vigorous new growth begins. Carefully lift the entire clump, gently separate the rooted sections using a sharp, clean spade or knife, ensuring each division has adequate roots and foliage, and immediately replant to the desired location.
