Hardiness

• Red coral bells grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 9. Coral bells are generally quite cold tolerant. They may also be able to adequately grow in the heat and humidity in USDA zone 11 if planted in partial shade. In the South, coral bells planted in full sun may exhibit foliage that looks burned after the heat of the summer. The plant grows best in a sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 7.0.
  
  

Attributes

• Red coral bell plants are recognized by their red or coral-red bell-shaped flowers and heart-, round- or maple-shaped leaves. The plant blooms late spring through August, with blooms lasting several weeks. The flowers sit atop spikes that grow about 2 feet tall, lingering over the foliage. The leaves consist of attractive variegation patterns and may slightly ruffle. They grow in large clumps and the foliage color sometimes changes, ranging from a bronzed red to chartreuse.
  
  

Landscape Use

• Red coral bells make attractive ornamental plants in the garden. They are often planted in front of small shrubs and trees because the foliage and flowers bring attention to the other plants as well. They are also planted in gardens to attract hummingbirds, which drink nectar from the bell-shaped flowers. Planting coral bells in bunches creates attractive small arrangements when they bloom in spring. They also create full and colorful flower bed borders.
  
  

Multiplying

• Coral bells are perennial plants, meaning they grow every year as long as the conditions are right. Over time, the plant multiplies and grows larger, which may cause the crown to grow out of the ground. Check the plant in its second or third year of growth to see if this has occurred. If so, divide the plant in late spring or early fall. Dig the plant up at the roots and divide it into sections that are 20 to 25 percent of the original clump. Plant the divided sections in the garden.