High Country Gardens
Northern Exposure Amber Coral Bells
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant shade color.
The Northern Exposure™ Amber Coral Bells offer striking, color-changing foliage that provides season-long visual interest. Delicate sprays of yellow, bell-shaped flowers bloom from late spring into summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This long-lived perennial is bred for exceptional cold hardiness and rust resistance, making it a low-maintenance choice for garden beds and containers. It tolerates dry shade once established and is deer resistant. Ideal for shady rock gardens and borders, it thrives in rich, well-drained soil, benefiting from afternoon shade in warmer climates.
$19.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Cultivar Name
NORTHERN EXPOSURE™ ‘Amber’
/ NORTHERN EXPOSURE™ ‘Amber’
Who it's for
- Landscapers looking to brighten dim, shaded garden areas
- Gardeners seeking vibrant, consistent color throughout the year
- Cold-climate residents needing reliable, winter-hardy perennials
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding regular plant division tasks
- Gardeners with heavy, poorly draining soil conditions
- People unwilling to manage slug and snail populations
Performance breakdown
Cold Hardiness
Exceptional resilience ensures survival through the harshest northern winters.
Pollinator Appeal
Reliably draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden beds.
Maintenance Ease
A low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal ongoing care.
Shade Adaptability
Robust performance in dry shade where other plants often struggle.
Pest Resistance
Strong natural defenses against rust and browsing deer populations.
Visual Versatility
Dynamic foliage color shifts provide interest throughout the entire season.
Key Specs
Cultivar Name
NORTHERN EXPOSURE™ ‘Amber’
Patent Number
PP#29397
Mature Height
14 inches
Mature Spread
20 inches
Ships As
Potted Plant
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
Native To
North America
Life Cycle
Perennial
Features
- Striking amber foliage changes color
- Exceptional cold hardiness and rust resistance
- Attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds
- Long-lived perennial for beds and containers
- Tolerates dry shade once established
- Low maintenance requirements
- Deer resistant
- Evergreen foliage
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the vibrant, unique amber color of these Coral Bells, noting they provide a stunning focal point in the garden. The primary theme highlighted is reliability; reviewers frequently mention the plants arrived healthy and established quickly, even in challenging northern climates. This variety proves exceptionally hardy and maintains its rich color throughout the season, offering excellent long term value for gardeners seeking dependable, colorful foliage.
Know before you buy
While it is versatile enough to grow in full sun to full shade, it performs best with afternoon shade in warmer climates to protect the foliage. In cooler regions, it can handle more direct sun exposure.
Yes, Northern Exposure Amber is considered deer resistant. While no plant is completely deer-proof if food sources are scarce, deer generally avoid the taste and texture of these coral bells.
Once established, this variety is quite resilient and can tolerate dry shade. However, it prefers moderate watering to keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Absolutely. This cultivar is bred for exceptional cold hardiness and is rated for hardiness zone 3, meaning it can withstand very cold winter temperatures.
Yes, Northern Exposure Amber Coral Bells are non-toxic, making them a safe choice for gardens frequented by cats and dogs.
This is a low-maintenance perennial. You can remove the spent flower stalks after they bloom in the summer to keep the plant looking tidy, but it is not strictly necessary for the plant's health.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20