Pruning Coral bells 'Palace Purple'

Heuchera 'Palace Purple' doesn't require traditional pruning, but it does benefit from a tidy-up in early spring to keep it looking its best. In March or April, before new growth begins in earnest, remove any tatty, winter-damaged or dead leaves by cutting them off at the base with secateurs or sharp scissors. This evergreen perennial often holds onto old foliage through winter, which can look tired and brown-edged by spring, so a thorough clear-out rejuvenates the plant and makes way for fresh, glossy purple leaves. Work carefully around the crown, cutting individual leaf stems rather than shearing the whole plant. You'll usually find that the centre of the clump produces bright new foliage even as the outer leaves fade, so be selective. If the plant has become congested or the crown has risen above soil level—common after a few years—this is also the time to lift, divide and replant, resetting the crown at the correct depth. During the flowering season in late spring and early summer, deadhead spent flower stems by cutting them back to the base once the small white blooms have faded. This isn't essential for the plant's health, but it keeps the clump tidy and prevents self-seeding, which can produce seedlings that revert to green foliage rather than the distinctive deep purple of 'Palace Purple'. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid bruising stems, and compost all healthy trimmings. Beyond this light maintenance, heucheras are undemanding and won't tolerate hard pruning into old wood.