Also known as Coral Bells · 8.9k gardener saves

Heuchera: the varieties gardeners actually grow

Heuchera, the genus most gardeners know as coral bells. We track 180 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.

180 varietiesZones 4–10Shade friendly

The 12 most-saved Heuchera varieties

Of 180 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

Browse all 180 Heuchera varieties →

How to grow Heuchera

What the Heuchera varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

The Heuchera year

  • DivideMarch and September100% of varieties

    Divide clumps every 3-4 years when vigor declines

  • Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties

    Remove any tattered or winter-damaged foliage before new growth starts

  • MulchNovember98% of varieties

    Refresh mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture

  • DeadheadJune and July88% of varieties

    Cut spent flower spikes back to the base to tidy the plant

  • FertilizeMarch35% of varieties

    Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
  • Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
  • Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 💧
  • Prune dead or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth

Avoid

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
  • Do not expose to full sun in hot climates
  • Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall

What goes wrong with Heuchera

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue and distorted leavesUse insecticidal soap or neem oil
Vine WeevilsChewed leaf edges and root damageUse organic nematodes or apply appropriate insecticides
Vine weevilsLacy or notched leavesApply beneficial nematodes or organic insecticide
Spider MitesFine webbing and speckled leavesUse horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Powdery MildewWhite powdery coating on leavesApply organic fungicide and improve air circulation
Root RotWilting and yellowing leavesImprove drainage and reduce watering frequency
Powdery mildewWhite powdery coating on leavesImprove air circulation and apply organic fungicide

Making more Heuchera

Division

  1. Dig up mature clump in early spring or fall.
  2. Gently separate into smaller sections with roots attached.
  3. Replant divisions immediately at same depth.
  4. Water thoroughly and mulch for moisture retention.

Cuttings

  1. Take 4-6 inch softwood cuttings in late spring.
  2. Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in moist potting mix and cover with plastic.
  4. Keep in bright, indirect light for 6 weeks until roots develop.

Heuchera questions

How many types of Heuchera are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 180 distinct Heuchera varieties. The most popular — ranked by 8.9k real gardener saves — are shown first above.

What zones does Heuchera grow in?

Across its varieties, Heuchera covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Heuchera bloom?

Most Heuchera varieties bloom in early summer, late spring to early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Heuchera should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

Keep exploring

Design with Heuchera in your own yard

Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.

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