Heuchera americana 'FROZY PANKY' American coral bells
Heuchera
Heucheras – coral bells are undemanding yet striking perennials that have gained popularity thanks to their beautiful foliage and delicate flowers, sometimes appearing in rich inflorescences. They form dense clumps of leaves with a breathtaking range of colours. The genus was named after Johann Heinrich von Heucher (1677–1746), a German physician and professor. It includes around forty species of perennial plants, mostly native to North America, except for H. sichotensis from the Russian Far East. To Europe, heucheras were introduced in the 18th century. their classification can be quite challenging as in the wild, these plants often crossbreed, and their flowers change shape significantly as they mature. That’s why so many breeders are drawn to them – their variable gene pool invites experimentation, and the thrill of discovering something new at the end of a breeding attempt is simply irresistible 😊.
Frozy Panky coral bells is the third addition to the modern Panky series, in development since 2015 by the French breeder Diederik Alexander Maria Scheys, who has already registered seven patented Heuchera cultivars. At first glance, the cultivar clearly belongs to the same family as ‘Pinky Panky’ or ‘Snowy Panky’, yet a closer look reveals a fundamental difference – ‘Frozy Panky’ is not a hybrid, but a selection of the species Heuchera americana. This is not merely a botanical footnote, but the key to understanding its behaviour. Heuchera americana is a woodland species that naturally grows beneath trees, in filtered light and in conditions that are never ideal nor entirely stable. For this reason, it has a naturally pronounced venation and leaf pattern that remains clearly visible even where other Heuchera cultivars would lose colour or contrast. In ‘Frozy Panky’, this origin is reflected in a calm, balanced appearance and an ability to retain the character of its foliage without full sun or carefully optimised growing conditions.
In the garden, ‘Frozy Panky’ performs best in partial shade to shade, where its leaves do not appear faded or tired, but instead maintain their structure and pattern. Thanks to its origin in Heuchera americana, it is also likely to show increased tolerance of drier periods and heavier, less permeable soils, provided they are not permanently waterlogged. The plant forms stable, long‑lived clumps and functions as a welcome ornamental element in woodland and semi‑shaded plantings, attracting attention through detail rather than ostentation. It was first presented at the Dutch trade fair Plantarium 2025, where it received the prestigious Best Novelty award.
Coral bells are hardy and mostly evergreen perennials, mainly used as ground covers, however, they are excellent companions to plants with other textures, especially when mass planted. They prefer lightly shaded locations and evenly moist, nutrient-rich soil—soil pH does not matter. With occasional watering, they can tolerate full sun, except for light-colored varieties, unless specifically bred for sun exposure. They can even grow in shade, though their colors will be less vivid. In early spring, simply trim all leaves, allowing fresh new foliage to emerge. Fertilization is not required but significantly enhances their appearance and vigour. They are hardy to approximately -34 °C (USDA zone 4) and can be grown in outdoor containers as well.
Last update 16-02-2026
