Pruning Coral bells 'Caramel'

Heuchera 'Caramel' requires very little pruning, but a tidy-up in early spring keeps it looking fresh and encourages strong new growth. In March or April, before the main flush of foliage emerges, remove any tatty, winter-damaged or discoloured leaves by cutting them off at the base with secateurs or sharp scissors. Although evergreen, some outer leaves naturally deteriorate over winter, especially after frost or wet spells, so this spring grooming is the main "pruning" task. If flower stems appear in late spring or early summer—typically airy sprays of small white or pink blooms—you can leave them for pollinators or cut them back once they fade. Removing spent flower stalks at the base prevents the plant wasting energy on seed and keeps the focus on the ornamental foliage, which is the real star of this cultivar. Deadheading is optional but worthwhile if you want a neater appearance. Every three to four years, older heucheras can become woody at the base and start to lift out of the soil, exposing the crown. This isn't pruning in the traditional sense, but in March or April you should lift the clump, trim away any dead or woody sections with a sharp knife, and replant the healthy portions at the correct depth, firming them in well. This rejuvenates the plant and prevents the crown drying out. No other cutting back is needed; avoid shearing the whole plant, as this damages the evergreen rosette and spoils its natural shape.