Is Heuchera deer resistant? Do deer eat Coral Bells?

Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, is a genus of perennial plants that are native to North America. They are grown for their attractive foliage, which can come in a variety of colors such as green, purple, silver, and burgundy. In addition to their striking foliage, many heuchera species also produce delicate flowers in shades of pink, white, and red.

One popular variety is the 'Fire Alarm' heuchera, which has bright red leaves that resemble flames.

'Fire Alarm' heuchera is a relatively new cultivar that was developed in the early 2000s. It is a hybrid of two other heuchera varieties, 'Dolce Cherry Truffles' and 'Dolce Cinnamon Curls'. The result is a plant with vibrant red foliage that is sure to catch the eye in any garden.

In addition to its striking appearance, 'Fire Alarm' heuchera is also a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, but can tolerate full sun if it is not too hot and is watered more frequently. Can handle periods of drought once established.

Hardiness: 4-9, Heat Zones: 1-8.

This plant has survived our New Zealand winter growing outdoors, when temperatures typically range around 12 – 16°C (53 – 61°F).

So, this is what we're getting from our elder, Babushka regarding Coral Bells appetizing qualities and deer resistance potential:

Verdict: FAIL! Heuchera (Coral Bells) is NOT deer-resistant! 

In fact, this is how its looking right now after the 'devils' found it after having climbed on the deck:

Take precautions to protect your heuchera plants from deer, particularly this variety, if you live in an area where deer are common.

One option for protecting your heuchera plants is to install physical barriers such as deer fencing or netting around your garden or planting area. These barriers can help to keep deer from accessing your plants and can be particularly effective if installed correctly.

Another option is to use deer repellents, which are designed to deter deer from eating your plants. There are a variety of deer repellent products available on the market, including sprays, granules, and electronic devices that emit high-frequency sounds or lights. We talk about all these methods and more in our post here.

Will Coral Bells grow back if damaged by deer?

If your heuchera plants do get eaten by deer, it is possible for them to recover if the root system and some foliage is preserved. The one you see on the pictures above - did. So chances are good. It's important to water the plants well after they have been damaged, and to remove any damaged or dead foliage to prevent disease.

With proper care and protection, your heuchera plants can continue to thrive and provide color and interest in your garden. Just be sure to take the necessary steps to keep them safe from deer and other animals that may be attracted to them.

In conclusion: While Heuchera plants, particularly the 'Fire Alarm' cultivar, may not be deer-resistant, there are steps you can take to protect them from being eaten, such as installing physical barriers or using deer repellents. If your plants do get eaten, they can recover if the root system and some foliage is preserved. With proper care and protection, Heuchera plants can continue to thrive and provide interest in your garden year after year.

Are you growing any Heuchera plants? Share in the comments!