Citronelle Coral Bells

Citronelle Coral Bells

Citronelle Coral Bells is a compact, clump-forming perennial prized for its luminous foliage. The rounded, lobed leaves emerge in vibrant citron yellow and yellow-green shades, with a silvery cast beneath the leaves and rosy red petioles adding subtle contrast. Slender flower stems rise above the foliage in summer, carrying airy sprays of small creamy white, bell-shaped flowers. The foliage provides the plant’s strongest ornamental feature, bringing bright color and texture to shaded areas where many plants rely primarily on flowers for interest.

Citronelle develops a compact mound reaching about 12 inches tall and approximately 14 to 18 inches wide. Its tidy habit makes it useful toward the front of beds and borders, along pathways, in mass plantings, and in containers. The bright foliage also creates strong contrast when planted alongside darker-leaved perennials or beneath taller plants. Its compact size allows it to add a distinct foliage accent without overwhelming smaller garden spaces.

Citronelle performs best in partial shade with moist but well-drained soil and benefits from protection from intense afternoon sun. Loam, clay, or sandy soils can support growth when drainage is adequate. Regular watering helps maintain consistent moisture, particularly during hot or dry weather. Fertilizing can be limited to spring applications when needed, while removing winter-damaged foliage and spent flower stems keeps the plant looking tidy. Its parentage from Heuchera villosa also contributes to its reputation for handling heat and humidity well.

Care Instructions

Planting: Plant with the crown at soil level in moist, well-drained soil.
Soil: Grow in loam, clay, or sandy soil with good drainage.
Watering: Maintain average, consistent moisture, especially during establishment and hot, dry weather.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring according to product directions if needed.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stems and winter-damaged foliage in spring.
Spacing: Space plants approximately 1′ – 2′ apart.
Maintenance: Remove damaged foliage, deadhead spent flowers, and maintain consistent soil moisture.

Citronelle Coral Bells brings a distinctive splash of yellow-green color to spaces where foliage is often the main source of garden interest. Its compact form, bright leaves, creamy summer flowers, and adaptability to partial shade make it a versatile choice for borders, containers, woodland edges, and mass plantings. The foliage is especially effective when paired with deeper green, burgundy, or purple plants for a layered planting with strong color contrast.

Landscape Solutions

• Adds a compact foliage accent along pathways and borders.
• Provides strong color contrast beneath taller plants and shrubs.
• Brings colorful foliage to patio and container plantings.