Sandia Coral Bells
Heuchera pulchella
Sandia Coral Bells (Heuchera pulchella) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers partial shade to dappled sun. CO + NM native dwarf coral bells; rosy-pink flower spikes; tolerates dry shade.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listmedium water6–12 in tall and 8–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in partial shade; tolerates dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Dry shade under conifers, Cool north foundations
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 6–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, montane
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sandia Coral Bells good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Sandia Coral Bells is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Sandia Coral Bells get?
- It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Sandia Coral Bells?
- Space Sandia Coral Bells about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Sandia Coral Bells hardy on the Front Range?
- Sandia Coral Bells is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Sandia Coral Bells need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Sandia Coral Bells native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Sandia Coral Bells deer-resistant?
- Sandia Coral Bells is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Sandia Coral Bells a good firewise plant near the house?
- Sandia Coral Bells is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Sandia Coral Bells bloom?
- Sandia Coral Bells blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
