Coral bells (Heuchera 'Rave On')
Heuchera 'Rave On' coral bells offer silvery, veined foliage and bright coral-pink flowers, perfect for borders and rock gardens.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera ‘Rave On’, a vigorous cultivar of Coral bells, is prized for its unique foliage texture and vibrant summer blooms. This compact perennial provides excellent year-round interest, thanks to leaves that often persist through mild Southern winters. Gardeners value this plant for its ability to add dynamic color contrast to shaded perennial beds.
The distinctive appeal of Heuchera ‘Rave On’ lies in its small, lobed leaves which present a silvery-veiled appearance sharply contrasted by dark green veins. In early summer, slender stems carry spikes of lovely coral/rose-pink flowers, providing a slight textural counterpoint above the dense basal mound. As a sturdy, clump-forming perennial, it enhances structure in mixed plantings.
This selection marries the ruggedness of its North American heritage with refined ornamental traits suitable for modern landscape designs. Whether used for softening borders or providing foreground interest, the Heuchera ‘Rave On’ is a low-drama addition that thrives across a wide range of hardiness zones.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Coral/rose pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Heuchera ‘Rave On’ is best accomplished in spring or fall, ensuring the plant settles before extreme temperatures hit. These Coral bells thrive in organically rich, humusy soil with excellent drainage; avoid areas where water pools after rain. While they generally prefer part shade, particularly afternoon shade in hotter climates, some hybrids perform well in full sun farther north, provided moisture is consistent.
Consistent watering is crucial, especially if the plant receives several hours of direct sun, as allowing the soil to dry out can lead to foliage scorch and decline. These perennials require medium moisture levels overall, reflecting their woodland heritage. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil structure is rich in organic matter.
Pruning involves removing the spent flower stems (deadheading) to encourage any further minimal blooming, although the primary ornamental value remains the foliage. In cold winters, applying a compost mulch after the ground freezes helps prevent damaging root heaving as temperatures fluctuate. Plan to divide dense clumps every three to four years in the spring to maintain vigor.
Landscape Uses
Heuchera ‘Rave On’ excels in applications where consistent, interesting texture is desired at the garden’s edge or throughout a partial shade border. Its compact nature makes it exceptionally effective when massed together for a bold sweep of patterned foliage. Consider planting it along pathways or walkways where the fine detail of the leaves can be appreciated up close.
Due to its medium size and moderate water needs, this Coral bells variety pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and Japanese forest grass in an open woodland garden setting. The silvery leaf tones of Heuchera ‘Rave On’ contrast wonderfully against the deep greens or blues of surrounding shade-loving companions. It also performs admirably in rock gardens, adding a needed splash of color contrast near stones or gravel features.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Heuchera, commonly called coral bells or alumroot, is a genus of evergreen to semi-evergreen herbaceous perennials native to North America, often found in diverse habitats from woodlands to rocky cliffs. Hybrid varieties like Heuchera ‘Rave On’ feature a vast spectrum of foliage colors and patterns not found in the wild species. Specifically, ‘Rave On’ is noted for its compact form, silver-veiled leaves with dark green veins, and attractive rose/coral-pink flowers blooming atop slender stems.
Tolerances
- No data available
Potential Problems
A primary concern for gardeners growing Heuchera ‘Rave On’ in colder regions is frost heaving; this occurs when rapid freeze-thaw cycles lift the shallow roots out of the soil. Mitigate this risk by applying a protective layer of winter compost mulch only after the soil has fully frozen solid. Disease issues can include powdery mildew or rust, which often signal poor air circulation or excessive humidity—ensure spacing between plants is adequate for airflow. Check regularly for early signs of insect pests like weevils or foliar nematodes which target the foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?
Heuchera ‘Rave On’ is generally hardy and reliably grows in USDA Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Heuchera ‘Rave On’ grow?
This compact Coral bells typically forms a basal mound reaching 1 to 2 feet in height and spreads between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Heuchera ‘Rave On’ need?
This plant performs best in full sun to part shade; remember that shade is crucial in hotter, southern locations to prevent leaf scorch during intense afternoon heat.
When does Coral bells bloom?
Heuchera ‘Rave On’ produces its attractive spikes of coral/rose pink flowers, indicative of its common name, primarily from June into July.
Conclusion
Heuchera ‘Rave On’ is an exceptional choice for adding long-lasting texture and seasonal color across a wide range of garden styles. The combination of silvery, veined foliage and bright flowers makes this Coral bells cultivar a versatile star in both sun and partial shade. Before planting, confirm your local USDA zone falls within 4-9 to ensure this perennial thrives in your landscape.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors is key to maximizing the beauty of Heuchera ‘Rave On’. Since this plant prefers rich, well-drained soil and appreciates protection from the harshest afternoon sun, pair it with other acid-tolerant, shade-loving plants. Good companions include cultivars of Hosta with deep blue or gold centers, which contrast nicely with the silver veil of the Coral bells foliage.
Consider incorporating plants that share similar water needs, such as shade-loving groundcovers like Vinca minor or various epimediums. These pairings create layered textures, ensuring that even when Heuchera ‘Rave On’ is not actively blooming, the area remains visually interesting throughout the growing season.
Propagation Tips
For established clumps of Heuchera ‘Rave On’, the most reliable method of propagation is division, as seeds rarely breed true for complex hybrids. Wait until spring, when new growth is just beginning, to gently lift the entire clump using a spade. Carefully tease apart the root ball, ensuring each new section has a viable crown and attached root structure.
Immediately replant these smaller divisions into prepared soil, ensuring the crown remains at or just above the soil line. Water the newly divided plants thoroughly to help them re-establish quickly. With proper care, these divisions will mature into full, handsome clumps of Coral bells within a year or two.
