Heuchera 'Stainless Steel' - Coral Bells

Dainty spikes of ivory white bells rise from a mound of silver-gray foliage with deep purple veins and undersides; amazing contrast to other plants, great versatility; keep soil moist in the heat of summer

Height: 15 inches. Sun: full sun, partial shade, full shade. Hardiness zone: 4a.

Ornamental features

Stainless Steel Coral Bells features dainty spikes of white bell-shaped flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. Its attractive crinkled lobed leaves remain silver in color with curious deep purple undersides and tinges of gray throughout the year.

Landscape

Stainless Steel Coral Bells is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Mass Planting, Rock/Alpine Gardens, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Groundcover, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Stainless Steel Coral Bells will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. However, you may want to keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.