Coral Bells (Heuchera) are popular perennials cultivated primarily for their striking foliage. They offer a spectacular range of leaf colors, spanning from deep purples and oranges to vibrant limes and silvers, providing year-round interest. This guide explores the optimal places to purchase Heuchera and how to assess their health before buying.
Local Garden Centers and Retail Chains
Purchasing Heuchera from a local, independent garden center offers immediate gratification. These centers often stock higher-quality, locally-acclimated specimens that have received specialized horticultural care. Staff typically possess significant knowledge about specific cultivars and regional growing conditions, which helps in selecting the right variety for a particular microclimate.
Larger retail chains, such as big-box stores, provide increased convenience and generally lower price points for common Heuchera cultivars. The selection, however, may be limited, focusing primarily on the most popular and mass-produced varieties. Availability in these stores is often seasonal, peaking during the spring planting rush.
These physical locations are ideal when seeking common, robust cultivars quickly. While the immediate purchase is appealing, the diversity of leaf shapes and unique color combinations will be significantly narrower compared to other sources. This pathway suits gardeners prioritizing speed and accessibility over cultivar exclusivity.
Specialized Online Nurseries and Mail Order
Specialized online nurseries and mail-order services offer the most extensive collection of Heuchera varieties, providing access to rare or newly hybridized cultivars unavailable locally. This pathway is beneficial for enthusiasts seeking specific traits, such as unique variegation patterns or sun tolerance. The breadth of options allows gardeners to precisely match a Heuchera variety to their needs.
Online retailers often ship plants either as bare-root divisions or small potted specimens, depending on the season and the seller’s preference. Bare-root plants are typically lighter and cheaper to ship, but they require immediate planting and careful initial watering to establish successfully. Potted plants offer better initial stability, though the increased weight translates directly to higher shipping costs.
Investigating the logistics of the online nursery is advisable before making a purchase. Buyers should carefully review the seller’s policies regarding shipping timelines, packaging methods, and guarantees on plant health upon arrival. Checking customer reviews provides insight into the quality of the packaging and the accuracy of the cultivar labeling.
Evaluating Plant Quality Before Purchase
Regardless of the source, a thorough inspection of the plant’s health is the final step before completing the purchase. Begin by examining the foliage for any signs of disease, such as fungal spots or powdery mildew. Also, look closely for pests, including small, sticky residue indicating aphids or fine webbing that suggests the presence of spider mites.
The condition of the root system is another indicator of a plant’s future success. Gently sliding the plant from its container allows for a visual check; healthy Heuchera roots are firm, white, and spread evenly throughout the soil ball. Avoid plants that are severely pot-bound, displaying roots circling tightly around the container, or those with mushy, dark roots, which indicate root rot from overwatering. Purchasing in early spring or fall, when the plant is not under summer stress, generally ensures better establishment.