Heuchera 'Kiecakrul' MELTING FIRE 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 😊.
MELTING FIRE is a Kieft Seeds coral bells variety bred in their Dutch branch and protected by European Patent No. 20557 from 2007. It makes undulated, shallowly lobed, palmate, glossy leaves which emerge crimson in spring and mature to maroon in summer. Undersides are magenta. They are reliably evergreen in mild winters. It grows fast into a dense and mounding habit some 30 cm tall and 40 cm wide. From late spring rise 40-45 cm tall, slender stems with profuse upright panicles composed of tiny, creamy to pale beige flowers.
Coral bells can take almost any soil with ample moisture and good drainage. They do best in partial shade or filtered sun, however, if you make sure they will not dry out you can place them in full sun, too. They can also live in dark shade where their colours will not be too rich, such location is usually best for light coloured varieties. Cut off all leaves in early spring to encourage growth of new foliage. Fully hardy to abt. -34 °C (USDA zone 4), and suitable for outdoor pots.
Last update 17-02-2022
