'Southern Comfort' coral bells (Heuchera) with a blue flowering lungwort (Pulmonaria). Photo courtesy Terra Nova Nurseries
Plant breeders tend to have their own specialties. For instance, mention coral bells and in the plant world, Terra Nova Nurseries comes to mind. That’s because Dan Heims, owner of the Oregon company, has introduced more coral bells than anyone else in the last 20 years, including the popular ‘Southern Comfort’ and ‘Peach Flambé’.
There are about 50 species of coral bells (Heuchera), a plant found only in North America. Because of their diversity, they are one of the most popular perennials for the landscape.
In spring and summer, stalks of tiny bell like flowers sway above clusters of leaves. Because coral bells are evergreen, they retain their intricate leaf patterns and dynamic colors for four seasons.
In a recent phone interview, Heims said got interested in coral bells in the 1980s, shortly after Blooms of Bressingham introduced ‘Palace Purple’ a huge breakthrough in leaf color.
Throughout his travels, he studied samples of coral bells in botanical collections of North American species throughout Europe, some as old as 1601, said Heims, an award-winning plant breeder.
Another break through came with the pairing of a strain of heat tolerant coral bells (H. villosa) found primarily in the south with other heuchera species.
The infusion of “villosa blood” resulted in an explosion of coral bells with wonderfully colored leaves and improved staying power in a variety of climates. Coral bells do best in part sun to shade and well-drained soil.
The National Garden Bureau, a trade group of seed merchants, plant propagators, educators and others, has named 2012 the Year of the Heuchera. Heims said he’s “pleased and honored to have the NGB honor heuchera as the first perennial” to have its special year.
