How to Grow Heuchera Sanguinea in California

Test the soil pH in a partially shaded, well-draining area six months to one year prior to planting. Coral bells do great as edging plants around larger perennials, when planted in front of shrubs or in the partial shade of a tree. Coral bells grow best in neutral soil, so if your pH measures less than 6.7, amend it with 7 to 8 pounds of pulverized limestone per 100 square feet for every point you need to raise it.

Plant coral bells 1 to 2 feet apart in soil amended with 2 to 4 inches of matured compost. Add soil to the planting hole as needed so the crowns set about 1/2-inch above ground level.

Water the coral bells at planting with enough water to reach the root system, about 4 to 6 inches deep, depending on the size of the root systems. Avoid wetting the foliage when you water. Water coral bells after planting with 1 inch of water a week during the summer if your area receives less than 1 inch of weekly rainfall.

Trim off any dead leaves after the threat of frost passes in spring, using pruning shears or scissors for the task, and spread a 1/2-inch layer of matured compost over their soil, keeping a distance of about 1 to 2 inches from the bases.

Spread a 2-inch layer of shredded bark, shredded leaves or other organic mulch over the compost, after you trim the dead foliage in spring. Replace the mulch each spring after you trim off the foliage.

Snip the flower heads from the stalks after the blooms fade, using pruning shears or scissors for the job. Don’t damage the crowns in the center of the plants when cutting the stalks back.

Cover the plants with a 50 percent shade cloth during the hottest part of the summer day, if you planted them in full sunlight. Too much direct sunlight burns the foliage.

Dig the coral bells from the soil when the plants lose vigor, usually in the spring of the third or fourth year, using a spade or shovel for the job. Separate the clump into sections where new leaves are forming new crowns, and use the old sections for compost. Plant the new crown divisions in well-draining soil, with the crowns and leaves 1/2-inch above ground level.

Check the coral bells regularly for chewed leaves, a sign of strawberry root weevils. Shake the weevils from the foliage if you notice them.

Check the bases of the plants for mealybugs, which are cottony, white, slow-moving pests about the size of a dry grain of rice. Mix together 2 1/2-tablespoons of insecticidal soap containing 2 percent potassium salts of fatty acids with 1/2-gallon of water and spray the mealy bugs every seven to 10 days to treat.