Heuchera is a versatile perennial, with attractive foliage and bell-shaped flowers. Also known as coral bells, they offer an array of colors and forms, multi-seasonal interest and long bloom time. Grow them in a shade garden or in pots.
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Coral bells also known by their botanical name Heuchera, are a popular perennial plant found in many gardens. Their delicate, bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage make them a great addition to flower beds borders, containers and rock gardens. While coral bells are relatively low maintenance, transplanting them every few years helps maintain their vigor and keep them looking their best. But when is the optimal time to divide and transplant coral bells?
Why Transplant Coral Bells
Transplanting coral bells provides several benefits that help the plants stay healthy and looking fresh
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Stimulates new growth – Dividing congested clumps encourages the production of new leaves and flowering stems, keeping the foliage looking young.
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Controls spread – Coral bells form expanding clumps that can outgrow their space over time. Dividing them helps keep their spread in check.
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Multiplies plants – Dividing coral bells gives you new plants for free! The divided sections regenerate into fully rooted plants.
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Improves blooming – Old, congested clumps tend to bloom less abundantly. Dividing rejuvenates flowering.
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Relieves overcrowding – Dividing overgrown clumps prevents competition between plants for light, nutrients and moisture.
Spring or Fall – When’s Best for Transplanting?
Coral bells can be divided and transplanted either in early spring or fall. Each season has advantages and disadvantages:
Spring Transplanting
Pros
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Cool, moist conditions reduce transplant stress.
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Entire growing season for roots to establish before winter dormancy.
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Blooms and foliage mature quickly after transplanting.
Cons
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Disturbing emerging growth may reduce blooms for one season.
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Divisions must be kept consistently moist until roots recover.
Fall Transplanting
Pros
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Plants can be divided a few weeks after bloom period ends.
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Soil retains summer warmth to aid root development.
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No disruption of active spring growth.
Cons
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Less time for root establishment before winter dormancy.
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Requires more attention to watering before the ground freezes.
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Delayed maturity and bloom the following growing season.
How to Transplant Coral Bells Step-By-Step
Follow these simple steps for transplanting coral bells successfully:
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Prepare holes for divisions in their new location before digging up the plant. Space holes 12-18 inches apart and make them wide enough to easily fit the root mass.
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Water the coral bells plant thoroughly 1-2 days before dividing to hydrate it.
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Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the roots then lift the entire plant out of the ground. Knock off excess soil but avoid damaging roots.
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Gently pull or cut the root mass into smaller clumps of 3-5 vigorous shoots each. Use a sharp knife to divide congested root balls.
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Place each divided clump into the prepared holes at the same depth as originally grown. Spread roots out evenly.
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Backfill holes with soil, pressing gently around roots to remove air pockets. Water in well after planting.
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Provide post-transplant care by watering regularly and applying mulch. Avoid fertilizing until new growth is established.
Ideal Transplanting Conditions
To minimize transplant shock, divide coral bells when:
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Soil temperature is cool in spring or warm in fall – avoids summer heat.
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Soil moisture is high after rain or deep watering. Prevent drying out.
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Air temperature is cool and cloudy – avoid hot, sunny days.
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Time of day is late afternoon or evening – avoids mid-day heat/sun.
Meeting these parameters will provide newly transplanted coral bells the best start in their new location. Pay close attention to watering needs for several weeks after transplanting. With proper aftercare, coral bells establish quickly and resume vigorous growth.
What to Expect After Dividing Coral Bells
Don’t be concerned if newly divided coral bells show some minor stress after being relocated:
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Wilting or drooping leaves – Normal shock reaction but recovers quickly with watering.
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Reduced blooms – Temporary decrease in flowers, abundant blooming resumes in 1-2 seasons.
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Smaller new leaves – Foliage will reach normal size as it matures.
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Slowed growth – Plants first direct energy to root development before new top growth.
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Slightly lower vigor the first year – Divisions need time to reach full size and strength.
When timed properly and handled with care, transplanting coral bells is a simple, rewarding task. Dividing rejuvenates overgrown clumps and generates new plants from a single perennial. Just be sure to transplant coral bells at the right time of year and give them attentive aftercare. The results are well worth the small effort!
VARIETIES OF CORAL BELLS
Proven Winners® coral bells come in a wide range of foliage colors, patterns and shapes. Try these in your garden:
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Primo® ‘Black Pearl’ is similar to ‘Obsidian’, but with darker purple-black coloring. Ruffled leaves set off dainty flowers with pink buds that open to snow-white. Makes a sophisticated accent in a pot, or at the front of a sunny border. |
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Dolce® ‘Wildberry’ looks similar to ‘Forever Purple’, but holds its intense purple coloring better throughout the growing season. Use as a container accent or mass in a sunny border for a bright splash of color. |
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Primo® ‘Peachberry Ice’ has striking ruffled apricot-orange leaves with pink undersides. Bright new growth mellows in summer to complement the cream flowers. Use this low spreader as a groundcover to illuminate shady woodland borders. |
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Primo® ‘Wild Rose’ sports rose-red flowers and rich purple-red leaves with charcoal-gray veining. Place alongside gold-foliaged plants to lend striking contrast in a mixed border. |
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Dolce® ‘Silver Gumdrop’ has semi-glossy silver veined leaves that develop a rosy blush overtone later in the season. Vibrant pink flowers that bloom in mid-summer stand out against the elegant foliage. Use to brighten up a shady border. |
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Dolce® ‘Toffee Tart’ has rich amber new growth that fades to ginger to complement the creamy white flowers. Similar to ‘Caramel’, it’s more fade- and burn-resistant. The diminutive size is suitable for container combinations or pathway edging. |
PLANTING & CARING FOR CORAL BELLS
One of the easiest perennials to grow, coral bells are virtually carefree. Here are the basics:
- Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, coral bells are tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, poor soil, heat, cold, humidity and drought.
- Foliage comes in nearly every color imaginable, from silver to nearly black. Leaves are patterned, ruffled, wavy or smooth.
- Flowers occur in hues of coral, red, white or pink and are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, and are long-lasting in cut arrangements.
How to plant: Plant coral bells in spring or fall. Space plants 1-2 feet apart.
Light: Coral bells can be grown in a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to shade. Foliage color and bloom are best when plants receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight.
Soil: Heuchera does best in rich well-draining soil, but is tolerant of clay or rocky soils and salt. If you have heavy clay garden soil, amend it to improve the drainage before planting your new coral bells or plant them in a raised bed.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Heuchera is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Provide extra water during hot spells.
Fertilizing: In spring, spread a thin layer of compost or apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer around the base. For container-grown plants, supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer according to instructions.
Pruning: Trim back tattered foliage in early spring.
Pots: Coral bells grow beautifully in containers. Just make sure there is a hole in the bottom where the excess water can drain from. Transplant into the landscape in early fall if youd like them to come back again next year. If you garden in zones 6b or warmer, they can be overwintered in containers.
Why You NEED to DIVIDE Heuchera and How to Do It! / PROPAGATE HEUCHERAS
FAQ
Do coral bells need sun or shade?
The ideal conditions for coral bells is part shade, meaning 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and out of the way of scorching afternoon sun. However, heuchera plants will grow in any amount of sunlight, including full sun, as long as you water well.
How do you dig up coral bells?
How Do You Remove Coral Bells from the Soil? From Ground: If your coral bells plant is already established in the ground, firstly, give it a good drink of water. This will help loosen the soil around the root ball. Then, taking care not to damage roots, dig a wide trench around the plant using your spade or trowel.
Should coral bells be cut back in the fall?
Coral bells (or Heuchera) boasts colorful foliage from spring to fall, and even through the winter in warmer climates. Whether coral bells are evergreen or not in your zone, we don’t suggest cutting them back in late fall. Why? Their foliage protects their crown through the winter.
How do you multiply coral bells?
Easily propagate Coral Bells through division, cuttings, or seed. Division is the easiest way to propagate Coral Bells and is also beneficial for the plant. Mature plants naturally expand and grow new plants alongside the parent plant.
When is the best time to plant a Coral Bell plant?
Spring is the season when growth emerges in plants. Therefore, this is when your coral bell plant will have an easier time re-establishing its root system in a new pot. Additionally, spring is typically wetter than other seasons, so your plant will have an easier time staying hydrated.
Can coral bells Wilt after transplanting?
Sometimes it happens that Coral Bells can wilt after transplanting. This is called transplant shock. To avoid this you will need to strictly follow the recommendations below. Only transplant in spring or fall when the weather is cloudy.
When is the best time to transplant coral bells?
The best time to transplant Coral Bells is spring because the plant is not yet in an active vegetative state. As a result, transplanting will go more smoothly. The second best time is in the first half of autumn. Avoid transplanting 30 days before the first frost. If the plant is not rooted before the ground freezes, it could have root problems.
When should you split a Coral Bell plant?
Spring is the right time to split and transplant your coral bell or any other plant (source). Spring is the season when growth emerges in plants. Therefore, this is when your coral bell plant will have an easier time re-establishing its root system in a new pot.
How to transplant coral bells?
Transplant Coral Bells in the spring and save as many roots as possible. After transplanting, water with 2 gallons of water and place in the additional shade for 2-3 weeks. Next, I will tell you in more detail about moving heucheras. Also, be sure to read the Complete Coral Bells Growing Guide.
Do coral bells grow well?
Coral bells thrive when planted in soil with the right amount of moisture and pH. In the right planting conditions, this plant will bloom in summer and spring, making your backyard aesthetically appealing. Splitting your coral bell plant is an excellent way to propagate new plants.