| Common Name | Caramel Coral Bell |
| Botanical Name | Heuchera ‘Caramel’ |
| Plant Type | Evergreen perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-9 |
| Mature Size | 12-18 in tall, 18-24 in wide |
| Sun | Part shade to full shade |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, humus-rich |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
| Bloom Color | Cream |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
Why Caramel for Wisconsin
Heuchera ‘Caramel’ is one of the hardiest coral bells available. Where many Heuchera cultivars struggle through Zone 5b winters, Caramel comes through reliably. The foliage shifts through shades of amber, gold, and honey depending on the season and light. It brightens shaded areas that would otherwise be dominated by green. The leaves are semi-evergreen, providing interest even in mild winter stretches.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring (May) once soil has warmed.
Where: Part shade to full shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Too much direct sun can bleach the foliage.
How: Plant with the crown at or slightly above soil level. Heucheras planted too deep are prone to crown rot. Good drainage is essential.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: Clean up any winter-damaged foliage. New leaves emerge with warm tones. Push any heaved crowns back into the soil and add mulch.
Summer: Cream-colored flower spikes appear. Some gardeners remove these to keep focus on the foliage. Water during dry spells.
Fall: Foliage deepens in color. Leave it standing for winter interest.
Winter: Semi-evergreen in milder winters. Mulch around (not on top of) the crown for insulation.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Heaving: Freeze-thaw cycles push the crown out of the soil. Check in early spring and push crowns back down. Mulching helps stabilize soil temperature.
Crown rot: Caused by planting too deep or in waterlogged soil. Good drainage and proper planting depth prevent this.
Companion Planting
Hosta (blue-leaved varieties for contrast). Brunnera for blue flowers. Astilbe for feathery texture and color. Ferns for a woodland garden feel.
Design and Landscape Uses
Front of shaded borders, woodland gardens, containers, and edging paths. The warm foliage color stands out among greens and blues. Mass plant 3-5 for a carpet effect. Works beautifully in combination containers with trailing plants.
Fun Fact
Coral bells get their common name from the tiny bell-shaped flowers that dangle from wiry stems above the foliage. The genus Heuchera is named for Johann Heinrich von Heucher, an 18th-century German botanist.
Caramel Coral Bell is available at our Cedarburg nursery.