perennialN. America Native

Coral Bells Ruby Bells

Heuchera sanguinea 'Ruby Bells'

The Story

Plant Bio

Heuchera sanguinea, commonly known as Coral Bells, is a perennial with lush, rounded foliage that displays vibrant red to purple hues, and produces delicate bell-shaped flowers on slender stems during summer.

Heuchera 'Ruby Bells' is distinguished by its bright, ruby-red flowers that hang gracefully from tall stems, creating a striking contrast against its dark foliage, and it performs well in shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides vibrant foliage and delicate flowers, ideal for shaded gardens.
Practical UsesHelps suppress weeds and retains soil moisture in shady areas.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators and offers habitat for beneficial insects.
SpeciesHeuchera sanguineaCoral Bells

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southwestern USA, Mexico (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or divisions into well-draining soil in early spring.
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
  4. Apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
  6. Prune dead or damaged foliage in early spring to encourage new growth.

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade for best foliage color and growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
  • Mulch annually to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
  • Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
  • Refrain from heavy fertilizing in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland garden with textured foliageSilvery border plant for shaded bedsUnderplanting beneath trees

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coral Bells Ruby Bells questions

What zones can Coral Bells Ruby Bells grow in?

Coral Bells Ruby Bells is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coral Bells Ruby Bells deer resistant?

Yes — Coral Bells Ruby Bells is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Coral Bells Ruby Bells bloom?

Coral Bells Ruby Bells typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coral Bells Ruby Bells need full sun?

Coral Bells Ruby Bells does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Coral Bells Ruby Bells with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.