Thursday, June 2, 2016

Old-fashioned Coral Bells

This is a plant I remember seeing as a child in my mother's flower garden.  I think it was in the plantings of other family members as well...my grandmother, my aunts.  Years later, I went looking for the plant for my flower beds.  I was startled to find plants with dark purple leaves labeled Coral Bell. I was expecting green leaves.  Nevertheless, I bought the plant.  The leaves just did not look "right". And when the plant flowered the flowers didn't look "right".  They were ugly and nondescript.

Eventually, I found a plant already flowering in a garden store so I knew I had the "right" plant.


Each flower is about 3/16 inch (0.47625 cm) across and 1/4 inch (0.635 cm) in length, dainty and delicate.

Just today, I checked on the Internet and discovered there are dozens of Coral Bells.  To me there is only one, the one that grew in my mother's garden.

2 comments:

  1. Yes there are dozens of different colors. Mine have all winterkilled. Yours are lovely:)

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  2. I have searched in vain for the same plant that grew in my mother's garden. Lucky you! Enjoy!

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