For a visually interesting container garden, consider coral bells. This group of perennials includes varieties with delicate, long-stemmed blooms of pink, red, or white - but it's their leaves that really stand out. The foliage may be green, gold, lime, orangish red, chocolate brown, or blackish purple. Many have two-toned leaves or leaves with ruffled edges.
With their naturally mounded shape, coral bells are ideal for all kinds of containers. Some varieties have trailing growth with colorful leaves that will spill attractively over the sides of a hanging basket. Coral bells are easy to grow, even for beginning gardeners, and varieties are available for full sun or partial shade
Coral bells are relatively low-maintenance plants, especially when planted in a high-quality potting medium, such as Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix. Deadheading will encourage more blooms. Remove flower spikes at the base when they are done blooming. If any leaves are damaged during the growing season, remove them and new foliage will emerge.
Because coral bells are hardy perennials in the transition zone, they are excellent plants for fall container gardens. In areas with cold winters, you can plant coral bells in the garden at the end of the growing season or place the container in a protected spot and cover with mulch.
