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Ring master

By Karen Dardick

Coral bells and foamy bells for San Diego

The love affair began with a leaf. Dan Heims didn't know that it would change his life – and the gardens of countless plant lovers. Heims, a self-styled “hortiholic,” owned an indoor plant business and was a connoisseur of tropical and foliage plants when he spotted the gaudy, garish leaves of coral bells (Heuchera) in a friend's home several decades ago.

“It just captured my heart,” he recalled during a phone interview. “I was captivated by the silver finish and the red veins. I mean smitten. Evergreen and stunning in all four seasons.”

The plant was H. Americana “Eco-magnififolia,” one of the many species of Heuchera native to the Western Hemisphere from Mexico to Alaska. Some thrive in woodland shade, others in dry, mountain conditions where plants cling to crevices. Heims was intrigued by hues and texture of the foliage. He studied the 60 or so species of this perennial plant and began developing his own creations.

To market them, he, along with partner James Waddick, formed Terra Nova Nurseries, a wholesale breeder and grower of perennial plants in Portland, Ore. From a modest start in 1988 with “one Heuchera and a dream,” the company has exploded and is responsible for the introduction of more than 550 new plant varieties. Those include close to 100 Heucheras and Heucherellas (close relatives resulting from crossing coral bells with foam flowers (Tiarella). These introductions are so popular that they've propelled coral bells onto the perennial popularity chart. Heims prizes coral bells because they are undemanding plants with fantastically colored foliage that stays on the plant year-round, with the bonus of flower wands of delicate flower clusters. They're not brassy, sassy scene stealers like cannas, bananas or elephant ears. Rather, they are demure ground huggers that demand attention because of eye-catching foliage. Grow them in mass displays or in combination with other plants.

CARE AND CULTIVATION Give coral bells well-draining soil, a location suited to their specific requirements, moderate water and only a small dose of fertilizer, and they will thrive. When planting, don't place plant too deeply into the ground. “Be sure that the plant is at the same level or slightly higher than it was in the container,” Heims said. “Be sure to let plants dry out between watering. More plants die from too much rather than too little water.” Coral bells don't need a lot of fertilizing. Whether in landscapes or containers, Heims recommends a slow-release granular fertilizer applied in spring. Insects rarely are a problem. Roots can rot if drainage isn't adequate. Similar to other types of perennials, coral bells need to be lifted and refreshed every three to four years. Simply dig up the clump, divide (every stem will root), share with friends or spread throughout your own garden. – KAREN DARDICK

Fancy foliage in hues of purple, silver, peach or green can be used to great advantage in creative combinations. Bronze foliage is stunning with deep green plants like ferns. Purples are magical with silver or black. When the tiny bell-like flower spikes appear, they are magnets for butterflies and hummingbirds, adding their vibrant colors to the landscape. Coral bells aren't fussy about their location, although in general, darker purple foliage can take more sun, while metallic lime or orange grow better in deep shade. In hot, inland sections of San Diego County, morning sun and protection from afternoon sun is recommended. Shallow rooted and not invasive, they work well beneath trees and shrubs, sites that can be difficult to fill.

Heims' breeding has resulted in a new group made from crossing a close relative, foam flower (Tiarella), noted for heart-shaped leaves and delicate flower wands, with coral bells. He's named his new category foamy bells (Heucherella). Their virtues are prolonged blooming in addition to the fascinating foliage inherited from their close cousins.

The compact growth habits of coral bells and foamy bells make them ideal for containers. Here's where creativity can bloom, too, by combining purple-hued varieties like Plum Royale with silver plants like artemisia or chartreuse-colored begonias.

Coral bells have many uses. Flower spikes can be cut for arrangements. So can foliage. A current craze in Europe is using fancy foliage for flower arrangements. According to Heims, foliage will continue to live in water, even growing roots (although not enough to create a new plant). This means foliage arrangements will last a long time.

Heims, with writer Grahame Ware, has written the definitive book detailing the lineage, descriptions and uses of coral bells and foamy bells: “Heucheras and Heucherellas” (Timber Press, 2005, $27.95). You can also find more details about specific varieties and their uses at terranovanurseries.com. To purchase plants, mainly sold through Proven Winners, check out local nurseries and gardens centers in San Diego County.

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