Greetings friends, I have been growing Coral Bells for a long time and have over fifty varieties in my collection. Today I would like to discuss the relationship of this plant to the sun.
⚡QUICK ANSWER: Coral Bells prefer partial shade, especially in hot climates. They can tolerate morning sun, but too much direct afternoon sun may scorch their leaves.
☀️Coral Bells That Tolerate Full Sun
Full sun all day can tolerate only very dark varieties. Their color will be a little pale than if they were growing in full shade.
Among the sun-tolerant Coral Bells, Heuchera ‘Black Pearl’ stands out. It has large, dense leaves about 4 inches wide. In partial shade, the foliage appears dark brown, but in full sun, it turns deep black, creating a striking effect.
Another excellent sun-tolerant variety is Heuchera ‘Obsidian’. Its large, dark maroon leaves develop an almost black color when grown in full sun. The leaves also have a beautiful textured surface, adding extra visual interest.
Read also: Coral Bells Main Growing Guide.
🌤️Coral Bells That Tolerate Partial Sun
Coral Bells with red or crimson foliage are more sensitive to light. They grow best in a spot where they receive direct sun only in the morning, for up to 6 hours.
During the middle of the day, they should be in shade to prevent sun damage. The ideal location is on the east side of the house or behind taller plants that provide protection.
Heuchera Rio is perfect for partial shade, with its bright red color and beautifully patterned leaves. The plant has a compact, ornamental shape. In my garden, it receives about 6-7 hours of sun a day and grows very well.
Heuchera Peach Melba is another good choice for partial shade, featuring pink foliage with medium-sized leaves.
☁️Coral Bells That Need Full Shade
Light green and yellow heucheras are the most sensitive to direct sun. They should get only about 2 hours of sunlight in the early morning or late evening.
The best locations for these Coral Bells are the north side of the house or under a tree canopy. They can also grow well in full shade, often becoming even more vigorous.
Rex Lime is a vigorous variety with light green, slightly twisted leaves. However, its foliage burns in direct afternoon sun, so it should be planted in partial shade.
Lime Rickey grows best with morning sun, which gives the leaves a bright lemon tint. In full shade, the leaves turn green, while in full sun, they are likely to burn.
🔥Sunburn
If your Coral Bells get sunburned, you’ll notice brown spots on the leaves, and some may die.
The first step is to provide shade using a garden umbrella or special netting. Remove the dead leaves but keep any that are still partially alive. Then water the plant generously once, using at least 1-2 gallons of water.
Avoid transplanting right away. Wait until spring or fall, then move the plant to a spot with morning sun and shade for the rest of the day.
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