Pink appears twice in the coral bell family: in the flowers, which can be blush to rose, and in new foliage on some varieties, which flushes pink or peach in spring. A single plant can offer both.
Pink in the border
Use pink-flowered heuchera at the front of a shady bed, where the thin stems sway above the leaf mound. They look soft against bluestone paths, white-flowered ferns and the deep green of azaleas. Plant in groups of three or five for a natural drift. In a pot, give them a gritty mix and a shaded spot.
Routine for pink forms
- Keep the soil evenly damp, as sulking plants droop and lose flowers.
- Trim spent flowers to tidy the plant.
- Divide clumps in autumn every few years, and replant the woody base slightly deeper.
- Check the crown for rot after long, wet spells.
Small vases of pink sprays
Pink sprays are airy and fine, and they sit well in small vases with roses, sweet peas or herbs. The leaves, trimmed from the stem, can sit in water for several days. Many florists use them as a textured filler.
Climate
Cool and mild gardens are the best match. Perth and Adelaide gardens do well with shade and watering. In humid places such as Brisbane, growing them in a pot with sharp drainage helps.
No toxic worries
Coral bells appear on the ASPCA non-toxic list for dogs, cats and horses. A pet that eats a lot may still get an upset stomach.
