Did you have frost last night? Do you grow coral bells in your garden? Saturday is a nice day.

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Did you have frost last night?  Do you grow coral bells in your garden?  Saturday is an awesome day.  
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Happy BELATED May Day!  Here we go.  May 2ND AND finally getting time to post today. .  Perennials, trees, shrubs, roses, perennials, apple, cherry, peach, and plum trees came this week.  Greenhouse is full, and we are still planting.  News that is how it always goes at Becky’s Greenhouse.  I am adding new plants each week that can go into your garden.  Slowly I am bringing the plants out on the blacktop.  Last night we had all the wagons inside the east greenhouse. We had a low of 30F.  This is why our plants outside are on wheels.   Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for May 3, Sunday will be having 73F(18C).  Put they are 95% rain, but I am sure they are glad for rain. I will need to ask Evelyn if they celebrate May 1st which would have been 2 days ago for them.  Stay dry, stay safe.
 
We have several selections of coral bells to plant in your garden.  Do you have some?  I do believe in growing easy plants.  I have found they like more part shade than full shade, and some gardeners tell me they have them in full sun. 
 
Coral bells (Heuchera) are grown for their vibrant foliage and thrive in part shade. Written By:  Andy Wilcox
Coral bells (Heuchera) are colorful, low-maintenance perennials that brighten shady gardens with foliage in lime, burgundy, silver, purple, and nearly black. Deer-resistant and adaptable to a range of soils, they’re a favorite for borders, containers, and woodland beds. Here’s how to grow and care for coral bells.
Coral bells are small, mounding perennials that stay evergreen in warm climates and may be semi-evergreen in colder regions. While many types produce airy flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and pollinators, coral bells are grown primarily for their striking foliage. Plants are typically hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and tolerate a range of light and soil conditions as long as drainage is good.
Most varieties grow 6–12 inches tall and spread 1–3 feet wide, forming tight rosettes. Leaves may be smooth or ruffled and come in an incredible palette—chartreuse, pink, burgundy, purple, and near-black—often with contrasting veining or multicolored patterns.
In the landscape, heucheras mix well with other shade-loving plants. Match them with hostas, astilbes, ferns, and hellebores. Mix them in a partially sunny spot with your geraniums, ornamental grasses, and daylilies. They look best planted in small groups. As they’re on the small side, plant them toward the front of a border garden.
Coral Bells Care at a Glance
Light: Part shade is best; morning sun, afternoon shade
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil; avoid soggy sites
Water: Keep evenly moist while establishing; drought-tolerant in shade once rooted
Feeding: Minimal; light feeding for containers
Maintenance: Remove ragged leaves; divide every 3–4 years
Best feature: Foliage color (flowers are a bonus)
Are Coral Bells Deer-Resistant?
Coral bells are generally deer- and rabbit-resistant because the leaves are slightly astringent and unpalatable. That said, no plant is completely deer-proof—hungry animals may still browse during drought or winter.
Planting  Where to Plant
Coral bells grow best in part shade to partial sun. Aim for 4–6 hours of gentle light—morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. In hot climates, protect plants from strong afternoon sun, especially bright-lime or pink varieties that can scorch.
Choose soil that is moist but well-draining. Heavy clay or low spots that stay wet can lead to root rot. If drainage is poor, amend with compost, plant on a berm, or use a raised bed.
When to Plant
Spring: Plant after the last frost; harden off nursery plants before transplanting.
Fall: Plant at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes so roots can establish.
How to Plant
Dig a shallow hole slightly wider than the pot and loosen the surrounding soil.
Set the plant so the crown sits at ground level (not buried).
Backfill with native soil (amended if needed) and gently firm.
Space plants 12–24 inches apart, depending on mature width.
Water thoroughly and keep evenly moist for the first few weeks.
Planting Coral Bells in Containers
Coral bells do very well in pots. Use a high-quality potting mix, ensure drainage holes are open, and water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feels dry. Container plants benefit from light feeding during active growth.
Part shade produces the best color and the least leaf scorch. If leaves bleach, brown at the edges, or crisp in summer, move plants to more afternoon shade.
Water
Water regularly after planting. Once established, coral bells are somewhat drought-tolerant in shade, but they look best with even moisture. Let the top couple inches dry slightly between waterings and avoid waterlogged soil.
Temperature and Humidity
Coral bells thrive across Zones 4–9. In very hot regions, extra afternoon shade and consistent moisture help prevent stress and leaf scorch.
Fertilizer
In-ground plants usually need little to no fertilizer if the soil is reasonably fertile. For containers, feed lightly once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted according to label directions.
Pruning and Deadheading
Remove tattered or winter-damaged leaves in early spring to make room for fresh growth. You can deadhead spent flower stalks for a tidier look and potential rebloom.
Dividing and Transplanting
Coral bells often become woody or thin in the center after a few years. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring (or early fall in mild climates) to rejuvenate growth.
Dig up the clump and gently shake off loose soil.
Pull or cut the plant into smaller sections with healthy roots and crowns.
Replant divisions promptly with the crown at ground level, and water well.
Overwintering
In Zones 4–9, coral bells typically overwinter outdoors. After the first hard frost, apply 2–4 inches of mulch (straw or shredded leaves) to reduce freeze-thaw heaving that can lift shallow roots. In spring, pull mulch back and remove dead leaves.
Pests and Problems
Coral bells are quite an easy-going, low-maintenance plant, but like all plants, there are a few diseases and pests to watch out for.
Common Pests and Diseases
Spider mites: More common in hot, dry conditions; increase humidity and rinse leaves.
Downy mildew: Improve airflow; avoid overhead watering.
Mealybugs: Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; treat severe infestations as needed.
Japanese beetles: Hand-pick or use appropriate controls in your region.
Problem: Plants Are Short-Lived
Coral bells often decline after 3–4 years. Dividing regularly keeps plants vigorous and helps you expand your planting for free.
Problem: Scorched or Bleached Leaves
This usually means too much sun or heat. Shift plants to a spot with afternoon shade and keep soil evenly moist during heat waves.
Problem: Wilting or Drooping
Check soil moisture first. Underwatering and hot sun can cause wilt, but so can root rot from soggy soil. Ensure drainage and water only when the top of the soil begins to dry.
Problem: Sparse Foliage
If growth is thin, the plant may be in too much shade or the clump may be aging. Move to brighter shade and divide older plants.
Problem: Plants Lift Out of the Ground
Freeze–thaw cycles can heave shallow-rooted plants. Mulch after the first hard frost, and firm lifted crowns back into place in early spring.
Wit and Wisdom
Mix colors and sizes of heucheras to create a well-designed shady garden bed. In warmer zones, they can be a source of color all year long.
If you have a woodland edge, heucheras can be used to naturalize the area, providing interest after the daffodils have come and gone.
Heucheras should be divided every 3-4 years to renew vigor and avoid forming a hollow spot in the center.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/coral-bells-heucheras
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse