Coral bells, also known by their botanical name Heuchera, are a popular perennial plant grown for their decorative, often brightly colored leaves. They are native to North America and are hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making them a versatile choice for gardens in many climates. When planting coral bells, it’s important to choose companion plants that will complement their unique foliage colors and textures. Here are some tips on the best plants to mix with coral bells for stunning combinations.
Mix Coral Bells with Other Shade-Loving Perennials
Coral bells thrive in partial to full shade exposure, so look to other shade perennials as natural pairings. Some classic choices include:
- Hostas – Combine with coral bells that have purple, silver or chartreuse leaves for high contrast.
- Astilbes – Choose white or pink plume astilbe varieties to complement coral bells with burgundy, plum or copper foliage.
- Hellebores – Partner early blooming Lenten roses with coral bells for winter to spring interest.
- Ferns – Mix delicate maidenhair ferns with lacy-leaf coral bells for soft textures.
- Heucheras – Plant coral bells together for a cohesive foliage display, playing with colors and leaf shapes.
- Tiarellas – Pair foamflower varieties like ‘Iron Butterfly’ with coral bells for layered textures.
- Pulmonarias – Combine lungworts with silver-leafed coral bells to illuminate shade gardens.
- Carex – Use variegated sedge grasses like ‘Ice Dance’ as edging around mounds of coral bells.
When combining coral bells with other shade perennials, aim for a balanced foliage display. Mix fine, lacy coral bell varieties with bolder hostas and astilbes. Or, contrast large-leafed heucheras with delicate ferns and tiarellas. Also consider bloom time, pairing coral bells with spring ephemerals like hellebores or summer bloomers like astilbes.
Accent with Annuals and Tropicals
While coral bells and other perennials form the backbone of the garden, annuals and tropical plants can provide seasonal accent colors. Some annuals that complement coral bells include:
- Begonias – Bronze leaf and other colorful varieties thrive in shade.
- Coleus – Choose patterned/colored varieties like ‘Wizard’ series.
- Impatiens – Low-growing types like ‘Busy Lizzy’ add bold color interest.
- Caladiums – Their flashy colored leaves love shade gardens.
- Sweet potato vine – Trailing or mounding Ipomoea fill space with chartreuse or purple leaves.
Use these annuals and tropicals near coral bells to echo foliar colors or provide contrast. For example, pair red-leafed coral bells with coleus ‘Redhead’ or caladium ‘White Christmas’. Or, surround chartreuse heucheras with purple sweet potato vine. Replenish these plants each year for seasonal excitement.
Combine with Evergreen Shrubs
Evergreen shrubs can give structure and substance when planted with coral bells. Consider using:
- Boxwood – Choose small-leafed Japanese types like ‘Green Velvet’ or ‘Green Gem’.
- Azaleas/Rhododendrons – Plant larger-leafed varieties behind coral bells as a backdrop.
- Japanese painted ferns – Their colorful foliage provides year-round interest.
- Gold-dust corydalis – Blue-green leaves complement colored heucheras.
- Dwarf conifers – Try blue varieties like ‘Blue Star’ juniper near silver or purple coral bells.
- Dwarf mondo grass – Combines nicely with green or chartreuse heuchera varieties.
Space shrubs 1-3 feet away from coral bells depending on their mature size. This allows each plant to be showcased individually while still being combined in a cohesive display. Evergreen shrubs also continue providing interest over winter after annuals die back.
Underplant with Bulbs
Early spring bulbs help precede coral bells’ emergence while also pairing nicely with their form and foliage. Some top options include:
- Crocuses – Plant purple, yellow or white crocuses around coral bells.
- Grape hyacinths – Choose blue-hued Muscari varieties.
- Snowdrops – Combine white Galanthus with coral bells in winter.
- Squills – Blue or purple Puschkinia complement heuchera colors.
- Miniature daffodils – Yellow Tete-a-Tete and Jetfire are perfect small bulbs.
Underplant bulbs in tight drifts around the base of coral bells to integrate them. As the bulbs die back, the heuchera foliage will fill in for continuous interest. Target bulbs that bloom and finish early like crocuses or snowdrops to precede coral bells.
Use Variegated Groundcovers
Variegated groundcovers that spread to form a living carpet are ideal companions underneath coral bells’ mounding foliage. Excellent choices include:
- Lamium – ‘White Nancy’ and ‘Anne Greenaway’ have pretty silver and green leaves.
- Liriope – ‘Variegata’ has grassy strapped foliage striped green and white.
- Ajuga – ‘Caitlin’s Giant’ and ‘Black Scallop’ offer colorful bronze/burgundy options.
- Sweet woodruff – ‘Variegata’ has green and white whorled leaves that spread.
- Periwinkle – ‘Illumination’ has chartreuse and white foliage.
Plant these groundcovers 1-2 feet apart underneath clumps of coral bells. As they spread out, they will form an attractive living rug that suppresses weeds. Their variegated foliage also complements and highlights the colorful heuchera leaves without competing for attention.
Include supporting perennials
Some perennials don’t offer dramatic color or foliage but make excellent companions by providing other attributes like height, texture and bloom. Useful supporting perennials for coral bells include:
- Lady’s mantle – Large ruffled leaves act as bold foliage for heucheras to stand out against.
- Russian sage – Airy blue flower spikes can hide leggy coral bell foliage.
- Ornamental grasses – Use mid-sized varieties like Hakonechloa or Calamagrostis behind coral bells.
- Catmint – Purple blooms of Nepeta look pretty next to colored heuchera foliage.
- Salvia – Choose types like ‘Caradonna’ with dark flowers and stems.
- Sedum – Upright varieties add height and stonecrop flowers.
Use these supporting perennials to provide vertical interest, hide dying foliage, or contrast brightly colored coral bells. They help fill empty space in the garden while letting the heucheras take center stage.
Combine with Evergreen Groundcovers
For covering larger spaces around or in front of coral bells, utilize spreading evergreen groundcovers. Some top options include:
- Pachysandra – Green glossy leaves remain attractive year-round.
- Euonymus – ‘Emerald Gaiety’ has variegated green and white foliage.
- Vinca minor – Trailing leaves and blue flowers work well under coral bells.
- Epimedium – Evergreen groundcover with colorful new leaves each spring.
- Creeping Jenny – Bright chartreuse foliage contrasts nicely with coral bells.
Space these groundcovers 1-2 feet apart and allow them to fill in over time. They’ll form an attractive carpet around coral bell mounds. The evergreen foliage masks dying leaves and stems during winter for a tidier look.
Annuals for Seasonal Interest
While perennials, shrubs and bulbs provide most of the structure and cohesion when paired with coral bells, adding annuals can provide seasonal excitement. Some top annuals to try combining with coral bells include:
- Coleus
- Begonias
- Impatiens
- Flowering vines
- Persian shield
- Caladiums
- Wax begonias
- Tuberous begonias
- Dragon wing begonias
Choose annuals like these with foliage or flowers that complement the coral bell colors. For example, surround a purple coral bell variety with purple coleus and impatiens. Or echo chartreuse heuchera leaves with coleus ‘Wasabi’ and Persian shield. Replace the annuals each year for fresh combinations.
Hardscape Accents
While plant pairings create the living framework around coral bells, don’t overlook the hardscape elements too. Integrating features like pavers, stones, containers and decor creates a finished garden design. Consider incorporating:
- Boulders or stone – Match the color and style to the setting. Use small stones as mulch around coral bells.
- Garden edging – Edge beds neatly with brick, stone, metal or plastic edging to keep plants tidy.
- Stepping stones or pavers – Use natural stone or colored concrete pavers to create a path through beds.
- Container plantings – Use pots of accent plants like ornamental grasses or small trees near coral bells.
- Garden art and decor – Choose ceramic, glass or metal pieces in coordinating colors to coral bell foliage.
- Water features – Small fountains, ponds or bubblers add soothing sounds. Ensure they are shaded for coral bells.
Incorporate hardscaping judiciously to enhance the plantings without overwhelming. Low-growing coral bells already make a bold statement, so the hardscape should support and blend with them seamlessly.
Conclusion
With their beautiful range of foliage colors, coral bells offer exciting design possibilities in shade gardens. Combining them with plants that have contrasting or coordinating textures and colors creates attractive displays. Pair them with shade perennials like hostas, hellebores and heucheras for seasonal interest. Accent them with variegated groundcovers, evergreen shrubs, or annuals and bulbs. Hardscape elements like stones, pavers and decor add finishing touches. With the right supporting players, coral bells will be the star that sparkles in shady beds and borders.
