Maintenance Landscaping Design

Coral bells azalea is a perennial shrub with many-branched stems that typically grow to 3-6 feet tall. The leaves are oblong to lanceolate, and the blooms are large and beautiful. The flowers are deep pink or purple, and they have a very strong, sweet fragrance. Coral bells azalea is native to Japan and Korea, and it is widely cultivated in Europe and North America. This plant is very popular as an ornamental, and it is often used in landscaping.

Also called

• Alum root
  
• Blackberry lily
  
• Culver's root
  
• False Solomon's seal
  
• Indian pink

Good to Know

• Coral bells azalea (Heuchera sanguinea) is a beautiful, low-growing ornamental plant that is native to North America.
  
• The Coral bells azalea is a member of the Saxifragaceae family and is closely related to other Heuchera species such as alumroot (H. americana) andfoamflower (H. pumila).
  
• The leaves of the Coral bells azalea are distinctive, being large and lobed with ayellowish-green to reddish-purple hue.
  
• The flowers of the Coral bells azalea are small and bell-shaped, and are typically white or pink in color.
  
• The fruit of the Coral bells azalea is a small, dry capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.
  
• Coral bells azalea is a popular plant for use in rock gardens, as groundcover, or as an accent plant in mixed flower borders.
  
• The plant is relatively easy to care for, and does not require a lot of maintenance.
  
• Coral bells azalea is deer resistant and does not attract a lot of pests or diseases.
  
• The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and can even grow in partial shade.
  
• Coral bells azalea is a long-lived plant, and can live for many years with proper care.

Related plant:
Proud Berry Coral Berry

Planting Process

1. For coral bells azalea, first step is to remove the plant from the pot.
   
2. Next, gently loosen the roots and replant it in a new pot with fresh, well-drained potting mix.
   
3. Water the plant well and place it in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
   
4. Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
   
5. In late spring or early summer, coral bells azalea will produce clusters of bell-shaped flowers.
   
6. Once the flowers fade, remove them to encourage new growth.
   
7. In fall, coral bells azalea will enter a period of dormancy.
   
8. Reduce watering during this time, but do not allow the plant to completely dry out.
   
9. In late winter or early spring, repot the plant if necessary and begin watering it regularly.
   
10. Once new growth appears, coral bells azalea is ready to be enjoyed again!

Related plant:
Coralberry

The Soil

About soil condition, coral bells azalea prefers rich, humusy, well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH. It does not do well in heavy clay soils. If you have clay soil, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter before planting. Coral bells azalea also requires consistent moisture, especially during the warmer months when it is actively growing.

Light requirement

Just like other azaleas, coral bells azaleas require plenty of sun to thrive. If you live in a colder climate, make sure to choose a spot in your yard that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade will be appreciated. Once you've found the perfect spot, prepare the soil by adding some organic matter to help retain moisture.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of coral bells azalea is warm. They need a temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit to grow and thrive. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but they will not flower or produce fruit at this temperature. The ideal temperature for coral bells azalea is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 and 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and start to drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become more susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant gets what it needs from the soil. However, coral bells azalea benefits from an annual application of fertilizer in early spring. A general-purpose fertilizer with an analysis of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 is fine. Use 1/2 cup for each plant. If you're using a granular fertilizer, scratch it lightly into the soil surface. If you're using a liquid fertilizer, irrigate it in well.

Light requirement

Pruning coral bells azalea is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the plant by one-third to one-half its height, making sure to remove any dead or damaged branches.

The Propagation

Propagation is generally done by division, as coral bells azaleas do not produce viable seed. The best time to divide coral bells azaleas is in the spring, just as new growth is beginning to emerge. Simply dig up the entire plant, divide it into several sections, and replant each section in a new location. Be sure to water well and mulch the newly planted sections to help them get established.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the cultivar planted. The growth rate varies from very slow to rapid. The factors that affect the growth rate of coral bells are the amount of sunlight, watering, and soil type. Also, some coral bells are simply slower growers than others.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. These can all be treated with fungicides. If you see any of these problems on your plant, be sure to treat them as soon as possible.

List to Know

• Do not forget to water your coral bells azalea plant, as it needs regular watering to thrive.
  
• Fertilize your plant regularly to ensure proper growth.
  
• Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
  
• Keep the soil of your plant moist but not soggy.
  
• Pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth.
  
• Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy.
  
• Protect your plant from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
  
• Bring your plant indoors during the winter months if you live in a cold climate.
  
• Enjoy the vibrant flowers of your coral bells azalea plant all season long!
  
• With proper care, your coral bells azalea plant will thrive for many years to come.

Related Plants

• Coral bells heuchera
  
• Coral bells planting
  
• Coral bells pink
  
• Coral bells pictures
  
• Coral bells plant
  
• Coral bells pruning
  
• Coral bells plant pictures
  
• Coral bells seeds
  
• Coral bells snow angel
  
• Coral bells grape sensation

Source:
Heuchera or Coral Bells | Horticulture and Home Pest News
Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs – Profiles — Australian ...
Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons | MU Extension