Gardens of beauty await those for whom the coral bells show

There are gardens of untold beauty ‘For Whom the Coral Bells Show’ and I know many of you in the San Marcos area desperately want them. Just think all of those pages of gorgeous Heuchera varieties (Coral Bells) have their DNA forever linked to natives in the United States.

The Garden Guy came across gorgeous wild ones in the North Georgia Mountains yet it has been the rare garden where I have seen them growing. It would be even more so in San Marcos because they need a soil pH that is slightly acidic.

So, The Garden Guy wants to give you two approaches. Right now, in Columbus, Ga. there is a show going on at a shopping center with mixed containers that were designed by my son James. The containers are making us all do the happy dance and shouting to ourselves I knew we could do it! The varieties Dolce Spearmint and Primo Wild Rose are putting on their floral show.

That’s right in mid-April, in Columbus we have drop dead gorgeous red coral bells blooms. That immediately will wake up some of you gardeners as you know full well Proven Winners description says they bloom in mid-to late summer. The next quirk or polar opposite, is that they are growing in full sun though part shade to full shade is recommended. Everyone must read what is next, please.

These were planted in the fall as a kale or cabbage substitute. James is treating them as annuals. I asked him how this compares in price to the ornamental kale and he said it wasn’t enough difference to even notice. The Garden Guy plans to be front and center with the heuchera rescue service, if you catch my drift.

A fall planting of heuchera makes a lot of sense. The hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are around to enjoy the great early April flowers. Actually, in our zone 8a part of Georgia fall is usually when we see them for sale at the garden centers but most don’t realize how tough they are for our winter. Even some university recommendations or descriptions talk about the raggedy winter foliage that should be removed just prior to new growth,

This may indeed be true of spring or summer planted heuchera but fall planted is a different story. So, this brings up The Garden Guy’s more traditional method of growing heucheras in the south. My suggestion is, go big, or go home without heuchera. The full gallon pots seem to get established and happy in the garden. I have planted a lot of quart size and it is like triage immediately commences before eventually losing the patient.

Also remember James is growing fall planted heucheras in great potting soil, in full sun. This is the key for the San Marcos area. By its ature potting soil is slightly acidic which is perfect for your fall planted heuchera. James has been doing this for years and will dig them up, saving them for me. He doesn’t pot them up but puts them bareroot in a holding yard. You will not believe what they have looked like prior to planting. It is like Lazarus returning from the dead as soon as I plant and give them water.

I’ve mentioned Dolce Spearmint and Primo Wild Rose which James is growing. At my house I have Primo Peachberry Ice which is an electrifying copper and a deep purple and silver selection that I lost my tag but believe to be Dolce Blackberry Ice. These have been standout performers. Their flowers are creamy white and pretty but Dolce Spearmint’s red blooms are dazzling.

You do not have to be one who envies the neighbors as the ones ‘For Whom the Coral Bells Shows’ you can do it too! Plant in mixed containers in the fall as a cabbage or kale substitute, or shoot combine them together if you want. I assure you they are perfect pansy pals. Follow me on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGarden Guy for more photos and garden inspiration.