Coral bells vs Heuchera

Coral bells and Heuchera are often considered for the same spot in the garden (pollinator friendly, ground cover, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.

Coral bells

Heuchera sanguinea 45 cm × 35 cm after 10 years

A low perennial with a mound of leaves that stays green through winter, topped from late spring to early summer by airy sprays of tiny coral-red bells…

Perennial

Full sun

Part shade

from about €4.30

Heuchera

Heuchera × hybrida 40 cm × 45 cm after 10 years

Coral bells are grown mainly for their low mound of lobed leaves, which stays decorative almost all year: cultivars come in deep purple to near black,…

Perennial

Part shade

from about €3.90

Key differences

Coral bells tolerates drought better than Heuchera.

Which one to choose?

Coral bells is the better choice if you cannot water regularly.

Watch out for

Coral bells

Grubs of the vine weevil and related root weevils eat the roots: the plant suddenly wilts and lifts out of the soil, most often in containers. Root rot sets in on wet, heavy soil. The crowns become woody and rise out of the ground with age, and winter freeze and thaw heaves the roots: firm them back in or replant deeper, mulch for winter, and divide in spring every three to four years. The leaves scorch in hot sun on dry soil.

Heuchera

Vine weevil grubs in the soil eat the roots, so the plant suddenly wilts and lifts off the ground in your hand: this is most common in pots and tubs. Leaves scorch in strong sun and hot, dry weather, and crowns rot in heavy, wet soil, so plants are short-lived in such sites. Frost heaves the crowns out of the soil in winter: firm them back in spring or mulch with compost. Heuchera rust, powdery mildew and leaf spot also occur.

The data side by side

Feature	Coral bells	Heuchera
Group	Perennial	Perennial
Size after 10 years	45 cm × 35 cm (uncertain)	40 cm × 45 cm (uncertain)
Ultimate size	30–50 cm × 25–75 cm (uncertain)	20–60 cm × 30–60 cm
Growth rate	no data	Medium (uncertain)
Light	Full sun, Part shade	Part shade
Soil	Average garden soil	Average garden soil
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Heat tolerance	Medium	Medium (uncertain)
Foliage	Evergreen (uncertain)	Evergreen (uncertain)
Flowering	May–July, red, pink	June–September, white, pink, red
Water need	Medium	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium	Low
Maintenance	Medium	Medium
Planting distance	30 cm	35 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic	Non-toxic
For children	Non-toxic	Non-toxic
Typical price	approx. €4.60	about €5.10 (< 40 cm)

Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 17, 2026

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