Coral Bells (Heuchera) is a popular perennial valued for its colorful, often ruffled foliage and delicate, bell-shaped flowers. It is a versatile plant, often used in borders, containers, and woodland gardens, adding year-round interest in many climates. To ensure the plant’s health and longevity, especially when dividing a mature clump, timing the relocation is the most important factor for its re-establishment. Successful transplanting minimizes stress, allowing the Heuchera to quickly anchor itself into its new location.
Optimal Timing for Relocation
The absolute best times to transplant Coral Bells are during the periods of moderate temperature in the year, which naturally encourages root growth over foliage production. Specifically, early spring is an ideal window, beginning as soon as the soil becomes workable after the winter thaw. Moving the plant before the onset of the summer heat allows it to establish a robust root system in the cooler, moist soil.
The second best time is early fall, typically at least four to six weeks before the first expected hard frost. This timeline gives the roots sufficient opportunity to settle and anchor themselves before the ground freezes solid for the winter. Transplanting during these cooler seasons prevents the plant from expending too much energy on transpiration, which is a common stressor during high summer heat. Therefore, it is best to completely avoid moving Heuchera during the peak heat of summer, as this significantly increases the risk of transplant shock and desiccation.
Recognizing the Need to Transplant
While seasonal timing is important, some conditions require relocating a Coral Bells plant regardless of the calendar. A primary indicator that a plant needs to be moved or divided is a noticeable reduction in vigor, such as sparser foliage or diminished flowering compared to previous years. This reduced performance often stems from the plant’s natural tendency to develop a woody, raised crown after three to five years.
The phenomenon known as “heaving” occurs when the woody crown lifts above the soil line, exposing the shallow root system to air and temperature extremes. If the plant is severely overcrowded or the center of the clump appears to be dying out, relocation and division are necessary to rejuvenate it. Additionally, poor foliage color or leaf scorch may signal that the current location has insufficient light or poor drainage, necessitating a move to a more suitable spot.
Preparation and Execution of the Move
Effective preparation begins the day before the move by thoroughly watering the plant to ensure the tissues are fully hydrated, which helps mitigate transplant shock. Before digging, the new planting location should be prepared with a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the root ball itself. This wide hole provides loose soil for the roots to spread quickly into.
When digging up the Heuchera, use a sharp shovel to cut a wide circle around the plant, approximately four to six inches from the crown, to capture a substantial root ball. If the plant is mature and woody, it should be divided by cutting the clump into sections, ensuring each new division has several healthy growth shoots and a portion of the roots. Plant the crown so it is level with the surrounding soil, or even slightly above, to prevent crown rot, and then gently backfill the hole, firming the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Post-Transplant Care for Successful Establishment
Immediate and consistent watering is the most important factor for successful establishment after the move. The newly transplanted Coral Bells should be watered thoroughly right after planting to settle the soil and then kept consistently moist for the first few weeks. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow outward and downward, which is necessary for long-term stability and drought tolerance.
A layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, should be applied around the plant, keeping it away from the crown to prevent moisture buildup and rot. This mulch helps regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture, reducing the stress on the developing root system. If the plant shows signs of temporary wilting, a common symptom of transplant shock, providing temporary partial shade can help the plant recover without further dehydration or stress.