Coral bells (Heuchera 'Encore')
Heuchera 'Encore' coral bells offer compact structure and unique rosy-purple spring foliage, thriving in zones 4-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera ‘Encore’, known commonly as coral bells, is a vigorous and compact cultivar highly valued for its year-round foliage interest and significant heat tolerance derived from its parentage including H. Villosa. This perennial forms a tidy basal mound, perfect for adding consistent color and texture to shaded borders or containers throughout the growing season. Despite its compact nature, this variety produces slender stalks rising above the leaves, bearing delicate white blooms in the summer.
One of the most distinctive features of Heuchera ‘Encore’ is its changing leaf color, which emerges a deep rose-purple with darker veins and a silver frosting in spring before lightening to a richer rose with a pronounced silvery sheen as the season progresses. Its relative vigor and improved tolerance for hot, humid summers make it a reliable choice where standard Heuchera varieties might struggle. Gardeners prize coral bells for their ability to provide excellent ground cover and structure even when not in flower.
These herbaceous perennials offer low fuss while delivering high impact, making them essential components in layered shade gardens. Growers should note that the specific cultural needs, particularly regarding sun exposure, still depend somewhat on the unknown parentage common among many commercial hybrids. Successful cultivation of Heuchera ‘Encore’ ensures reliable performance across USDA Zones 4 through 9.
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 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
Heuchera ‘Encore’ performs best when situated in organically rich, humusy soil that maintains medium moisture but remains well-drained. While these coral bells can tolerate full sun in cooler northern climates, most gardeners—especially those in southern locations—should aim for a spot receiving afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch during intense heat. When planting, ensure the soil structure supports good drainage, as persistently wet feet can quickly lead to root issues.
Consistent watering is crucial, particularly if you site this variety in a location receiving more direct sun. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings during warm periods, but avoid letting the soil dry out entirely. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil quality is already high, but a light application of compost in spring will refresh the growing medium.
Pruning involves removing the spent flower stems in early summer after blooming concludes to potentially encourage a second wave of short flowers. In regions with harsh winters, apply a layer of winter compost mulch only after the ground has frozen solid to prevent damaging frost heaving of the root system. To maintain vigor, plan to divide overgrown clumps of Heuchera ‘Encore’ every three to four years during the spring season.
Landscape Uses
Coral bells, especially reliable cultivars like Heuchera ‘Encore’, excel when massed or planted in generous drifts to showcase the textural and color impact of the foliage mound. Their moderate height makes them absolutely effective as edgers along the edges of stone pathways or garden walkways, clearly defining boundaries without obscuring shorter groundcovers. They fit seamlessly into rock gardens, where their requirement for excellent drainage is easily met, or within the dappled light of open woodland gardens.
Use Heuchera ‘Encore’ as a colorful component in mixed perennial borders, pairing them with plants that share similar light and moisture preferences, such as Hostas, Ferns, or Astilbes. The silvery-rose foliage provides a fantastic contrast against deep greens or blues found in many shade-loving companions. Placing them near hardscaping, like light-colored stone, will help illuminate their unique leaf coloration even in deeper shade.
This cultivar’s robust mound habit makes it an excellent plant for filling the middle or front tiers of mixed container arrangements, offering sustained color from spring until frost. Ensure any container mix is light and well-aerated to respect the well-drained soil needs inherent to all successful coral bells plantings.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heuchera, commonly called coral bells or alumroot, is a genus native to North America, boasting species adapted to diverse habitats from woodland edges to rocky cliffs. The ‘Encore’ cultivar stands out as a compact, vigorous selection, notable for being more heat-tolerant due to H. Villosa parentage. Its lobed, rounded leaves present an arresting display, emerging deep rose-purple before maturing to a lighter rose with a strong silvery sheen.
Tolerances
- Frost heaving of roots may occur when winter temperatures fluctuate widely. Potential disease problems include powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot. Potential insect problems include weevils and foliar nematodes
Potential Problems
Managing potential issues with Heuchera ‘Encore’ primarily revolves around soil conditions and winter protection. Frost heaving occurs when freeze-thaw cycles lift the roots out of the soil, a risk mitigated by applying a compost mulch only after established winter cold has set in. Foliage health can be compromised by diseases like powdery mildew or rust, often exacerbated by high humidity or poor air circulation; ensure adequate spacing between plants. Watch for insect pests such as weevils and foliar nematodes, treating localized outbreaks quickly to prevent widespread damage to your prized coral bells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells (Heuchera ‘Encore’) suitable for?
Heuchera ‘Encore’ is suitable for USDA Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Coral bells (Heuchera ‘Encore’) grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet, with a similar spread between 0.75 and 1 foot.
What sun exposure does Heuchera ‘Encore’ need?
This plant appreciates full sun to part shade, preferring more shade during the hottest part of the afternoon, particularly in southern climates.
When does Coral bells (Heuchera ‘Encore’) bloom?
Heuchera ‘Encore’ blooms later than many other types, typically from June to July, producing attractive white flowers.
Conclusion
The unique rose-silver foliage, coupled with reliable heat tolerance, secures Heuchera ‘Encore’ as an outstanding choice for adding depth to shaded landscapes. These coral bells provide textural contrast and color interest across multiple seasons, making them invaluable for seasoned and novice gardeners alike. Before planting, verify your local hardiness zone and prepare a well-drained, humus-rich soil amendment for optimal performance.
Companion Planting
Selecting suitable companions for Heuchera ‘Encore’ requires focusing on plants that thrive in similar partial shade environments and appreciate consistent moisture. Hosta varieties with blue or chartreuse foliage create a stunning cool-toned contrast against the warmer rose tones of this Heuchera. Low-growing ferns, such as Japanese Painted Ferns, complement the leaf texture beautifully while requiring similar humus-rich soil structure.
When planting in borders, consider using plants with different bloom times to ensure season-long visual interest. Epimediums (Barrenwort) offer early spring color, fading nicely as the Heuchera ‘Encore’ mound fills out and prepares its summer bloom. This combination establishes a beautiful foundation planting that thrives in the dappled light filtering through deciduous trees.
Propagation Tips
Since Heuchera ‘Encore’ is a named hybrid, propagation should exclusively be managed through vegetative division rather than seed saving to ensure offspring retain the desired characteristics. The ideal time for dividing clumps is early spring, allowing the separated sections ample time to establish roots during the reliably moist growing season. Gently lift the entire clump using a sharp spade, taking care not to damage the fibrous roots, and separate into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a healthy crown and several roots attached before replanting immediately at the same depth.
If divisions are small or the plant is struggling, you can attempt to propagate new plants from stem cuttings taken during the summer months, although this is less common than root division. Select healthy, non-flowering stems, treat lightly with rooting hormone, and plant them into sterile, moist potting mix kept in a shaded, humid environment until new root growth is detected. Division every 3-4 years is recommended practice for all homeowners growing Heuchera ‘Encore’.
