Coral bells – White, an airy flower with quiet presence
Coral bells, or Heuchera, is grown as much for its foliage as for its flowers. From late spring the plant sends up slender, almost wiry stems, and along the top of each one sits a row of small white bells no bigger than a fingernail. The effect is light and slightly wild, and it is exactly that lightness that makes white coral bells useful in a bouquet.
The white variety is the easiest of them all to combine. Next to roses it softens the outline; in a hand-tied summer bouquet it fills the gaps the way gypsophila does, but with more shape. On its own, a handful of stems in a narrow glass vase is enough.
Care in the vase
Cut the stems at an angle and take off any leaves that would sit below the waterline. Coral bells prefer a cool spot out of direct sun, and the flowers last noticeably longer if the water is changed every other day and the vase is rinsed when you do it. The stems are thin and drink less than a rose, so top up rather than refill.
Where the plant comes from
Heuchera is a North American woodland perennial, at home in half shade, and in a garden it is usually planted for its deep bronze, lime or purple leaves. The flowers are the bonus – and the part that ends up in a vase.
A gift that does not shout
White coral bells suit the occasions where a large bouquet would be too much: a thank you, a first visit, a table that needs something living on it. Heuchera is not listed as toxic to dogs or cats, which makes it a calm choice for a home with animals.
