A to Z Challenge: “N”ame this plant…
At the end of last summer, I found three plants whose tags said they were good in shade and partial sun. They were also on sale, which meant if they didn’t make it to next spring, I wouldn’t be out a fortune. I do take it personally when plants die on me but that’s another story.
To my great surprise, all three survived the winter and are now flourishing. The problem is, I can’t remember for the life of me what they are. I’m hoping that a kind, knowledgeable A to Z Challenger will help me identify the plant. Here’s what I remember: it is a perennial that stays low to the ground and it does have little red flowers on it. In the fall it turns to pretty red foliage. That’s it – I know, not a lot to go on.
Any help would be appreciated and if I can verify that your answer is correct, I will even send you a $10 Starbucks gift card – no foolin’! I just really want to find out!
Update: The plants have been identified as Coral Bells so the mystery has been solved. Thanks for everyone’s help. It’s really appreciated.
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
8 Comments
Josie Two Shoes
Not a clue, but it’s definitely pretty! It’s fun when something thrives and you aren’t expecting it. 🙂
Josie
from Josie’s Journal
dmweiden@gmail.com
I agree – I don’t really have a green thumb so most of my plants that survive are unexpected! My husband does much better. They’ve been identified as Coral Bells – yay! Thanks for the visit!
Linda Andersen
I think it might be a geranium. To save yourself $10, perhaps you could pluck a leaf and a bud and go to your local nursery for the answer. Good luck.
dmweiden@gmail.com
I thought it was a geranium also but the flowers aren’t large enough and geraniums in Indiana are annual, unless you bring them inside. An Indiana friend from Facebook replied that they are Coral Bells and I think she is right! The local nursery was my next step. Thanks for visiting my blog and your comment. I really appreciate it!
Leanne
I have a grey thumb and kill everything except the hardiest of plant individuals! So, basically I have no idea but they are pretty and if they can survive winter then they are definitely keepers (and a bargain buy too!)
dmweiden@gmail.com
I see we have the same gardening philosophy! Thank you for visiting my blog.
Jeffrey Bushman
I would second the identity of Coral Bells but let’s take it a step further and identify it as Heuchera Micrantha. The variation is known as a diversifolia Bressingham hybrid.
I love plants and spent a good many years in the landscape industry. A good choice in the front landscape heuchera is excellent for leaf color. Palace purple coral bells is an excellent specimen with deep maroon leaves. Color all year!
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thanks you, Jeffrey, for the additional information. For once I made a good decision about plants. They are really thriving near our front step and will happy for years to come (I hope). I bet you have a beautiful yard/garden/flower bed, with your expertise and love of plants. Thank you for visiting my blog!