Coral Bells (Heuchera) are a total staple in the garden, and for good reason! These mounded perennials are famous for their stunning foliage that stays vibrant even through the winter, not to mention those delicate, airy flower spikes that give them their name.
Pruning Your Coral Bells
If you want your Coral Bells to stay lush, bushy, and full of life, you’ll want to keep a pair of shears handy. To keep them looking their best, there are four main times you might reach for your garden tools:
- The early spring cleanup
- Deadheading after they bloom
- Cutting flowers for a bouquet
- Taking cuttings for propagation
Pro tip: Always use sharp, clean bypass pruners or a knife. Giving your tools a quick wipe with rubbing alcohol prevents the spread of any nasty garden diseases!
In the early spring, just before the new growth starts peaking out, it’s time for a “haircut.” Cut the plant back to about 4 inches above the ground and clear away any withered or soggy leaves from the winter. This thinning out encourages the plant to grow back nice and full. This is also the perfect time to divide your plants if they’re getting too big. Finish up with a little compost or organic fertilizer to give them the energy they need to pop.
By May, that gorgeous foliage is usually in full swing, and you’ll start seeing those slender flower stalks—which can reach up to 24 inches—shooting up in shades of white, pink, or deep red. While most varieties peak in June and July, some late bloomers keep going into September. Once the “bells” have faded, snip the stalks off right at the base. This saves the plant from wasting energy on making seeds, letting it focus all its strength back into those beautiful leaves.
Cut Flowers and Cuttings
Those long, wiry stems make fantastic cut flowers! They add a whimsical, airy touch to any homegrown bouquet and pair perfectly with other spring blooms in a vase.
Propagating with Stem Cuttings
Want more Coral Bells for free? Taking stem cuttings is the way to go. Here’s how to do it:
- Snip off a healthy, vigorous stem about 4 inches long.
- Carefully strip off the lower leaves.
- Prep a tray or small pot with some high-quality seed-starting mix.
- Stick your cuttings into the soil and give them a good drink.
- Cover the tray with a clear plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse effect.
- Don’t forget to vent the bag daily to prevent mold!
- Roots should establish in about six weeks.
- Once your “babies” are about 4 inches tall, they’re ready to be planted out in the garden.
