Coral bells, scientifically known as Heuchera, are popular garden perennials celebrated for their diverse and colorful foliage. These adaptable plants offer a wide spectrum of hues, from lime green and amber to deep burgundy and nearly black, often with intricate patterns or ruffled textures. Propagating coral bells is an effective way to expand your garden, create new plantings, or share these attractive plants with others.
Why and When to Propagate Coral Bells
Propagating coral bells offers several advantages. It provides a cost-free method to increase your plant collection, filling more garden space or creating borders. Division also rejuvenates older, overgrown plants with woody centers, promoting more vigorous growth. Many Heuchera varieties are considered short-lived perennials, and regular division every three to four years can help extend their lifespan.
The optimal time to propagate coral bells is in spring, as new growth emerges. This allows new divisions or seedlings the entire growing season to establish robust root systems before winter. Early fall is also suitable for division, giving plants time to settle before frost. Avoid dividing or transplanting during summer’s heat and dryness, as this stresses the plants.
Propagating Through Division
To divide coral bells, gently dig up the entire clump using a spade, working several inches away from the plant’s outermost stems to avoid damaging the root ball. Once lifted, inspect the plant for natural points of separation. You may be able to gently pull the clump apart into smaller sections by hand, ensuring each new section has both leaves and a healthy root system.
For larger, established plants with a woody center, use a sharp knife, spade, or hand pruning saw to cut the clump into smaller divisions. Discard any old, woody, or deteriorating parts. Each viable division needs several growth shoots or a crown with foliage and sufficient roots.
Immediately replant the new sections at the same depth as the original plant, ensuring the crown is just barely covered with soil. After replanting, water the divisions thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots and support their acclimation.
Propagating From Seed
Propagating coral bells from seed is another method, though it may take longer to achieve mature plants and results can vary. Seeds can be collected from existing plants in late summer or early fall, or purchased from suppliers. Plants grown from seed, especially from hybrid varieties, may not exhibit the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Many Heuchera seeds benefit from cold stratification to encourage germination. This involves exposing seeds to cold temperatures for several weeks, often by refrigerating them in moist sand or a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag for about a month. After stratification, sow the tiny seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed-starting mix, pressing them lightly into the soil without covering them, as coral bells seeds require light for germination.
Maintain consistent moisture in the seed-starting mix, either by misting or bottom-watering, but avoid waterlogging. A clear plastic lid or germination dome can help maintain humidity. Ideal germination temperatures range from 65-70°F (18-21°C). Germination can take several weeks to a few months. Once seedlings develop a few sets of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots.
Caring for Newly Propagated Coral Bells
Newly propagated coral bells, whether from division or seed, require specific care for successful establishment. Consistent moisture is important as new plants develop their root systems, even though established coral bells tolerate some drought. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Provide newly propagated coral bells with appropriate light conditions. While mature plants tolerate a range of light, partial shade is suitable for young plants, especially with morning sun and afternoon shade. Lighter foliage varieties need more shade to prevent leaf scorch. Protect young plants from extreme weather, such as intense heat or harsh frosts, which stress their developing systems.
Continue to monitor soil moisture and light exposure as they mature. Once the plants have developed a strong root system and show active new growth, they can be considered established and will require less intensive care.