Part of the Saxifragaceae family, Heuchera is most commonly referred to as Coral Bells, although it is sometimes also listed as Alum Root or Crimson Bells. Heucheras feature a lovely but subtle show of small flowers, generally in the late spring and early summer, however they are particularly valued by gardeners for their outstanding foliage colors. The hundreds of varieties now available cover a huge range of color, from bright green to brown, silver, purple, orange and yellow. The more popular varieties feature multi-colored foliage and interesting leaf shapes and textures as well. While Heucheras can withstand a variety of growing conditions, their foliage colors are at their best when planted in locations that provide some afternoon shade. Full shade can limit the rate of growth, while full sun tends to cause some fading of the foliage colors.

Heucheras are easy to grow and they are well-suited to a variety of applications, from single specimens in the home garden or mass planted on landscape sites as a ground cover. They also do very well in containers and patio pots. Hardy from zones 4 to 8, Heucheras are evergreen or semi-evergreen in warmer climates.

Heuchera 'Rachel'
'Rachel' is a compact, clump-forming cultivar featuring reddish purple leaves and attractive pink flowers . The rounded and lobed leaves form a basal mound growing to eight inches tall and spreading to 12 inches across. Sprays of small, pink flowers borne in open, airy panicles appear in late spring to early summer on slender, wiry stems rising above the foliage mound, typically to 18" tall. Suitable for a variety of uses, from mass planting as a ground cover, or as a single specimen in a rock garden or patio pot. Hardy in zones 4 to 9.

Heuchera 'Pewter Moon'
Tiny pink flowers are held upright on stiff, narrow stems above veined, silver green foliage with purple undersides. Forming a neat compact mound, growing about 12 inches tall and up to 18 inches wide, this cultivar makes an ideal border plant. More drought tolerant than other varieties of Heuchera, 'Pewter Moon' is suited to many landscape applications. Flowers from June to August; hardy in zones 3 to 10.

Heuchera 'Stormy Seas'
The somewhat glossy ruffled leaves present a wonderful kaleidoscope of color throughout the growing season with young maroon-purple foliage maturing to bronze green with bright purple undersides later in the season. The small cream-colored flowers appear on tall purples scapes, growing to a height of three feet. The habit is very compact and this very vigorous grower is considered to an excellent choice for many landscape uses. Prefers moist and well-drained soils, and is hardy in zones 4 to 9.

Heuchera 'Pluie de Feu'
'Pluie de Feu' or 'Ring of Fire' features small bright red flowers on tall scapes over a mound of vibrant green foliage from late spring to early summer. The heart-shaped leaves are up to four inches long and have five to seven lobes. Prefers sun and shade locations; ideal in a border or mass planted as a ground cover. Hardy from zones 4 to 8.