As October sets in and the leaves start turning golden, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your garden for winter.
If you’re a fan of Coral Bells, also known as Heuchera, you know how they can add beautiful color and texture to your garden, even as the season shifts to cooler weather.
Coral Bells are hardy perennials that are known for their vibrant foliage and delicate flowers, but they can benefit from a little extra care before winter arrives.
Over the years, I’ve had my share of learning experiences with Coral Bells, and I’m happy to share my best tips with you.
Here’s what you should be doing in October to make sure your Coral Bells survive the winter and come back even stronger in the spring.
Don’t Cut Back the Foliage Yet
One of the first things many gardeners think about in the fall is cutting back their perennials, but with Coral Bells, it’s best to hold off on that task.
Unlike other plants, Coral Bells have semi-evergreen foliage, which means their leaves will stick around through much of the winter, depending on your climate.
The foliage not only adds beauty to the winter garden, but it also protects the plant’s crown from cold temperatures.
In my early years of gardening, I made the mistake of cutting back my Coral Bells too soon, thinking I was getting ahead on fall clean-up.
What I didn’t realize was that the remaining foliage acts like a protective layer for the plant, shielding it from frost and wind.
Since then, I leave the leaves intact until spring, when new growth starts to push through.
In fact, those leaves might look a little tired by the end of winter, but they’ll help ensure your plants are well-insulated.
Water Deeply Before the First Frost
Even though Coral Bells are fairly drought-tolerant once established, they still appreciate a good soak before winter arrives.
October is the perfect time to give them a deep watering before the ground freezes.
This is especially important if your region hasn’t had much rainfall during the fall.
Deep watering helps the roots absorb moisture and prepares the plant for the drier winter months ahead.
I usually give my Coral Bells a thorough watering in mid-October, making sure the water reaches down to the root zone.
This practice has made a noticeable difference in how well my plants handle the winter.
One year, I skipped this step, and by spring, my Coral Bells seemed sluggish and slow to recover.
Ever since then, I make sure to give them that one last good soak before the cold really sets in.
Mulch to Insulate the Roots
Mulching is one of the most important things you can do to protect your Coral Bells from winter damage.
In October, after you’ve given the plants their final deep watering, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of each plant.
Mulch helps insulate the soil, keeping the roots at a more consistent temperature and protecting them from the freeze-thaw cycles that can cause stress.
I like to use shredded leaves or pine needles as mulch for my Coral Bells because they provide good insulation while also breaking down slowly over time, enriching the soil.
Aim for a layer that’s about 2-3 inches thick, and be careful not to pile the mulch directly against the plant’s stems.
I made the mistake of piling mulch too high one year, and it led to some rot around the base of the plant.
Now, I always leave a small gap between the stems and the mulch to keep the plant healthy.
Check for Heaving After Frosts
One of the challenges with Coral Bells in colder climates is frost heave.
This happens when the soil freezes and thaws repeatedly, causing the roots to be pushed up out of the ground.
Coral Bells, especially newer plantings, can be particularly prone to this because of their shallow root systems.
After the first few frosts, it’s a good idea to check your Coral Bells for signs of heaving.
If you notice that the roots are starting to lift out of the ground, gently press the plant back into the soil and add some extra mulch around the base to help keep it in place.
One year, I ignored the signs of frost heave, and several of my Coral Bells ended up with exposed roots that didn’t survive the winter.
Now, I make it a habit to check for heaving throughout the fall and early winter, especially during warmer spells when the ground thaws.
Avoid Fertilizing in the Fall
As tempting as it might be to give your plants a little boost before winter, October is not the time to fertilize your Coral Bells.
Fertilizing encourages new growth, and the last thing you want as winter approaches is tender new leaves that won’t have time to harden off before the frost hits.
Instead, let your Coral Bells naturally go dormant in the fall.
I made the mistake of fertilizing late in the season once, thinking I was helping my plants store up energy for winter.
What happened instead was that the new growth got zapped by frost, leaving the plants weaker in the spring.
Since then, I’ve learned to stop fertilizing my Coral Bells by mid-summer, allowing them plenty of time to slow down and prepare for the colder months.
Protect from Winter Sun and Wind
While Coral Bells are generally hardy, they can suffer from winter burn if they’re exposed to too much sun or wind during the winter.
This is especially true for plants that are located in more exposed areas of the garden.
Winter burn occurs when the plant loses moisture through its leaves faster than it can replace it, leading to dry, damaged foliage.
If your Coral Bells are in an exposed spot, consider providing them with some protection from harsh winter winds and direct sun.
You can create a simple windbreak using stakes and burlap, or you can move container-grown plants to a more sheltered location for the winter.
I have some Coral Bells planted along a south-facing fence, and I’ve noticed that they tend to suffer more from winter burn than those planted in shadier spots.
Now, I make sure to cover them with burlap during the coldest months, and I’ve seen a big improvement in their health come spring.
Divide Overcrowded Plants
If your Coral Bells have been growing in the same spot for several years and are starting to look a little overcrowded, October is a great time to divide them.
Dividing the plants not only gives them more room to grow, but it also helps rejuvenate older plants that may have become less vigorous.
To divide your Coral Bells, carefully dig up the clump and use a sharp spade or knife to separate it into smaller sections.
Each section should have healthy roots and a few stems.
Replant the divisions in a new location, water them well, and mulch around the base to help them settle in before winter.
I remember the first time I divided my Coral Bells, I was amazed at how quickly they bounced back in the spring.
Not only did the original plant thrive, but the divisions filled out beautifully and gave me more plants to enjoy in different parts of the garden.
Be Cautious with Overwatering
While it’s important to give your Coral Bells a deep watering in October, it’s equally important not to overwater as the temperatures continue to drop.
Once the ground starts to freeze, the plant won’t be able to take up as much water, and excess moisture can lead to root rot.
After you’ve given your Coral Bells their final deep soak, ease up on watering for the rest of the fall.
If you live in an area with regular rainfall, you may not need to water at all during the winter.
Just keep an eye on the weather, and make sure the soil isn’t staying too soggy.
I’ve made the mistake of overwatering in the fall, thinking I was helping my plants stay hydrated through the winter.
What I ended up doing was creating waterlogged conditions that led to root rot in a few of my perennials.
Now, I’m much more careful about monitoring soil moisture and only watering when absolutely necessary after the temperatures drop.
Ensure Proper Drainage
Coral Bells don’t like to sit in water, especially during the winter months when the soil can stay wet for longer periods.
If your plants are located in an area with poor drainage, consider amending the soil or moving them to a drier spot before winter sets in.
I’ve had Coral Bells planted in a spot that tended to collect water, and those plants always struggled more during the winter.
In contrast, the ones I planted in well-drained areas fared much better and bounced back quickly in the spring.
If your soil tends to hold water, it’s worth taking the time to improve drainage to help your plants get through the winter months.
Be Patient in Spring
One thing to keep in mind is that Coral Bells can be slow to wake up in the spring.
After a long winter, it can be tempting to think that your plants didn’t make it, but give them time.
Coral Bells tend to emerge later than some other perennials, especially if the winter has been particularly cold.
I’ve had years where I thought for sure my Coral Bells had died, only to see new growth appear weeks after everything else in the garden had already started growing.
So, be patient, and resist the urge to pull them out too early.
They’ll reward you with their beautiful, colorful foliage when the time is right.
Final Thoughts
As October brings cooler temperatures and shorter days, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your Coral Bells for the winter ahead.
By following a few simple steps—such as leaving the foliage intact, mulching to protect the roots, and checking for frost heave—you can help ensure that your plants survive the winter and come back stronger in the spring.
Gardening is all about learning from experience, and over the years, I’ve found that a little extra care in the fall can make all the difference when it comes to the health and vitality of your garden.
So, take the time to give your Coral Bells the attention they need this October, and enjoy the beautiful results in the months to come.
Happy gardening!