Coralbells ‘Caramel’

* Common name: Coralbells ‘Caramel’

* Botanical name: Heuchera ‘Caramel’

* What it is: A perennial flower with native genes mainly grown for its wide, rounded leaves that are an unusual soft apricot/butterscotch color. Gets dainty, light-pink, bell-shaped flowers June into July atop wiry stems.

* Size: Foliage 10 inches tall… with flowers, 18 inches. Space 2 feet apart.

* Where to use: North or eastern foundations, toward the front of shady perennial gardens, under trees and in any dappled shade site. Also excellent as foliage plant in a container. Part shade ideal, full shade OK. Full sun may bleach them.

* Care: Keep damp the first season, then water usually not needed. Scatter balanced organic granular fertilizer such as Flower-tone or Plant-tone over the bed in early spring. Snip off flower stems after bloom. Cut browned-out leaves at end of winter but don’t cut into the crowns (the fleshy part just above the ground where the leaves emerge). Plants can be dug and divided in early spring or early fall, but only if getting too crowded or spreading where you don’t want.

* Great partner: On east side of any dark-leafed shrub. Or pair with annual burgundy/gold coleus.