Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
WITH THEIR DAINTY FLOWERS AND DAZZLING FOLIAGE, Coral Bells, or Heucheras, are the perfect antidote to an otherwise all-green situation. To satisfy my heuchera habit without spending a fortune, I usually buy one good-sized plant (in a color that makes me swoon), and then immediately divide it into three or more plants. You can easily build your own Coral Bell collection this way too:
When dividing plants, the goal is to cut away offshoots with a piece of the parent plant’s central root attached. As with all such surgical procedures on purchased plants, let the soil dry out a little first. Then knock the plant from its pot, and cut it in half, as pictured above. This way you can easily see the thick, white central root that is closest the base of the foliage. In the picture, my knife shows where my next cut will be.
Next, see if you can cut at least one more section from the plant, since it’s always better to have odd numbers of things. As you can see, I managed to obtain a trio of modestly-sized silver and green ‘Snow Angels’ from just one purchased plant.
Sometimes, despite your careful cutting, a tiny, rootless plantlet will become detached. You can still plant this fledgling, and rather optimistically, too. Inserted in good soil and provided steady moisture, it will soon grow its own set of roots, much like a divided African violet will.
You will find that heucheras — divided or otherwise — grow best in partially shaded locations, such as the dappled light my Woodland Garden affords. There, I space them one foot apart in rich, well-drained soil amended with plenty of leaf mold. A 3-inch layer of mulch around the plants does wonders to control weeds and conserve moisture.
Are you crazy for Coral Bells, too? Then by all means practice this easy propagation program. It will give you a flashy collection of plants for practically no cost at all. And you’ll feel like such an accomplished gardener.
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Judy says
Hi Kevin! This is unrelated to coral bells but is it okay to water plants in the evening? I just watered my plants because I felt that they needed it but did I do more harm than good??
Eric says
Kevin, keep these tips coming! I'm going to take your advice and just buy one large heurchera (instead of the usual 3) and divide it.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Judy – Not to worry. Providing you didn't splash water all over the leaves, and your apartment isn't cold at night, your plants will be fine.
Adele says
Kevin, were you reading my mind??? I went shopping for heucheras today, and guess what I found at my local indy garden center? Small, obviously newly-divided plants for $14.99 each (plus tax). I didn't buy any. The price, for such puny plants, made my blood boil! Now I'll shop (elsewhere) and look for a larger heuchera that I can divide into as many rooted sections as possible. I really appreciate your text and pix that show the dividing process.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Adele – Yes, “buy one, get two for free” is certainly my motto!
Sheila says
I'm definitely coo-coo for Coralbells! I have these: 'Tiramisu', 'Ruby Veils,' 'Purple Petticoats,' 'Mocha Mint,' and 'Lime Rickey.' I don't even care if they flower or not, the foliage so darn gorgeous!
Carol says
That's the great thing about heuchera – it doesn't need flowers to make a big impact in the garden. I have a huge clump of some green variety with pink flowers (can't recall the name). Guess its time to get out the dividing knife.
Lidya Andrade says
What about the time…. Can I divide then in July? Or just in spring……
Renee Barbee says
I just bought a carnival heuchera discounted for $1.29. I want to separate it and plant in my yard. Do it now, in the spring. ..please help me keep this beautiful plant alive. Thanks.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Renee – Spring is the safest time to divide Heurchera. Enjoy your plant!
Wendy says
Trimming for fall, i noticed peices were hanging over rocks…looked like reisins…???….they broke off at slightest touch….can i, or how do i plant to start more.
Wendy says
Trimming for fall, i noticed piecrs were hanging over rocks…broke off at slightest touch. Look like reisins, can i or how do i replant, to start more plants.