Heuchera is a versatile perennial, with attractive foliage and bell-shaped flowers. They come in many colors and shapes, are interesting in all four seasons, and bloom for a long time. They are also called coral bells. Grow them in a shade garden or in pots.
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Coral bells also known as heuchera are a popular perennial plant prized for their colorful leaves and dainty flowers. Their versatility and low-maintenance nature make them a staple in many gardens. As fall approaches, a common question arises – should you cut back coral bells in the fall?
The answer is not so straightforward While some pruning can be beneficial in the fall, excessive cutting back can damage coral bells. Here is a detailed look at fall pruning practices for coral bells
An Overview of Coral Bells
Native to North America, coral bells are hardy perennials that thrive in zones 4-9. They prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun with sufficient moisture. Coral bells are available in a rainbow of leaf colors like purple, chartreuse, silver, peach, and bronze. The ruffled leaves remain attractive all season, even after the tiny bell-shaped blooms fade in summer.
There are over 300 named cultivars to choose from. Popular types include ‘Palace Purple’, ‘Caramel’, and ‘Lime Rickey’. Dwarf varieties like ‘Little Cutie’ work nicely in rock gardens and containers. Larger types can reach 18 inches tall and wide.
The Function of Foliage
Coral bells foliage serves various important functions:
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Photosynthesis – The leaves produce food for the plant through photosynthesis. Removing too much foliage in fall cuts off an energy source right before dormancy.
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Protection – Leaves shield the plant’s crown and roots from harsh weather. Foliage acts as insulation to prevent freeze damage.
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Aesthetics – The colorful leaves provide year-round interest. Evergreen types retain their beauty all winter long in mild climates.
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Early growth – New leaves emerge early in spring. Pruning too soon removes this new growth that fuels the plant.
Pros of Fall Pruning
There are valid reasons to do some fall pruning for coral bells:
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Removing old flowers prevents self-sowing and improves appearance. Snip off the dried flower stems back to the foliage.
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Pruning out diseased or insect-damaged leaves stops disease spread. Discard the clippings.
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Cutting back leggy growth improves shape. Stick to trimming no more than 1/3 of foliage.
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Dead leaves can be removed as they naturally start yellowing in fall. Just leave any healthy leaves intact.
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Evergreen types appreciate having old outer leaves trimmed to show off new growth.
Cons of Fall Pruning
While selective fall pruning has benefits, cutting back too much foliage or pruning at the wrong time can stress plants:
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Removing green leaves eliminates food production sites before dormancy. This depletion weakens the plant going into winter.
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Exposing the crown removes its insulation. Freezing temperatures can kill tender crown tissue.
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Disease organisms and eggs on old leaves can overwinter if mixed into the soil.
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Cutting too early prevents autumn photosynthesis that produces nutrients sent to the roots.
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Pruning evergreen types too soon strips away winter interest and cold protection.
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Knowledgeable gardeners recommend leaving all healthy foliage intact for winter protection.
Best Practice for Fall Pruning
The consensus among horticulture experts is to delay major pruning until spring. Follow these tips for fall:
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Pruning in early fall risks new growth emerging that gets damaged by cold. Wait until the plant enters dormancy after a hard frost.
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Remove spent flowers, dead or damaged foliage, and leggy stems. Leave healthy green leaves alone.
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Cut lightly, only removing up to 1/3 of the total foliage to avoid stress. Remove more in spring.
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Disinfect tools between plants to prevent disease spread. Sterilize tools that touched diseased leaves.
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Place cut debris into yard waste bags, not the compost pile. Many pests and diseases overwinter on old leaves.
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Mulch around the base to protect roots without smothering the crown. 2-3 inches is ideal.
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Water until the ground freezes to prevent drought stress going into winter.
When to Prune Coral Bells
Here is a coral bell pruning calendar:
Spring:
- Cut plants back by 1/2 to 2/3 when new growth appears.
- Remove any remaining spent flowers and dead foliage.
- Dig and divide large clumps every 2-3 years in early spring.
Summer:
- Prune spent flower stems back to foliage after blooms fade.
- Pinch back leggy stems mid-summer to encourage bushy growth.
Fall:
- Clean up old flowers and foliage only after the plant is dormant.
- Leave as much healthy foliage in place as possible for winter protection.
Winter:
- No pruning needed. Enjoy the winter interest of evergreen types.
To summarize, restraint is key when pruning coral bells in fall. While old flowers and damaged leaves can be removed, it’s best to leave healthy foliage intact until spring. Proper fall care sets up coral bells for vigorous growth and vibrant color in the coming seasons.
Should you cut back heuchera?
If foliage looks ragged, cut plants back in early spring to stimulate fresh new growth. Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed. Cut back spent flower stalks to encourage rebloom.
Heucheras are reliable perennials in most regions.
PLANTING & CARING FOR CORAL BELLS
One of the easiest perennials to grow, coral bells are virtually carefree. Here are the basics:
- Coral bells can grow in USDA zones 4–9 and don’t mind many things about them, like low light, bad soil, heat, cold, humidity, or drought.
- Leaves come in almost every color you can think of, from silver to almost black. Leaves are patterned, ruffled, wavy or smooth.
- Butterflies and hummingbirds like the coral, red, white, or pink flowers, and they last a long time when they are cut and arranged.
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. Before you plant your new coral bells, make changes to your heavy clay garden soil to help it drain better, 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.
Spread a thin layer of compost around the base of the plant in the spring, or use a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer. 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.
When to Cut Back Heuchera?
FAQ
How do you winterize coral bells?
Are there any perennials that should not be cut back in the fall?
Do you cut back bell flowers in the fall?
When should you cut back coral bells?
The optimal time for trimming Coral Bells is during late spring and early summer. During this period, the plant experiences robust growth and can bounce back well before the onset of winter. Dry leaves can be removed at any time of the year. Should you cut back Coral Bells in the fall? Pruning Coral Bells in the fall is not advisable.
How do you prune coral bells?
Coral Bells is primarily grown for its showy leaves, and pruning the plant can encourage more healthy and abundant foliage. Step 1 – Inspect the plant during the spring and summer. Remove damaged or dead growth using clean pruning shears. Step 2 – Pinch back flowers. Pinch back flowering stems to promote more foliage growth.
Do coral bells grow straggly?
Coral Bells may appear leggy or straggly partway through the growing season. Sections with elongated stems can be removed during the spring or summer to give the plant a tidy appearance. When possible, avoid pruning the plant in the fall and winter.
Are coral bells evergreen?
1.) Coral Bells (Heuchera) 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.
Do coral bells have flowers?
The flowers are plain compared to the foliage, and some gardeners prefer to remove the blooms so the plant can focus that energy on foliage production. If you want to grow Coral Bells just for the foliage, then pinch back the flowering stems as soon as they appear. Coral Bells may appear leggy or straggly partway through the growing season.
Do coral bells rebloom?
While the life cycle of this perennial flower is typically annual (meaning it will bloom once and then die off), some varieties of coral bells can rebloom. Some blooms may last longer depending on the conditions of the environment and the amount of care and maintenance put into the flower.