General Culture:

Best grown in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Does well in full sun in the northern part of its range. Prefers part shade (particularly with afternoon shade) in the hot summers of the deep South. In the St. Louis area, best foliage color in light to part shade. If grown in full sun, consistent moisture is needed and soil should not be allowed to dry out. Remove stems of faded flower panicles to encourage continued bloom (bloom is more apt to repeat in cool summer climates than hot ones). In cold winter climates, a winter mulch applied after the ground freezes will help prevent root heaving (clumps are shallow-rooted and will develop woody bases rather quickly). Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This coral bells cultivar is a clump-forming perennial which features a basal mound (typically to 12" tall) of deeply cut, rounded, long-petioled leaves (3-5" wide) which emerge coppery-pink, but mature to a dark chocolate to deep purple. Young foliage has deeply ruffled edges which loosen up with age. Tiny, white, bell-shaped flowers in open, airy panicles are borne on slender, wiry, deep-red stems extending well above the mound of leaves, typically to a height of 15-24" in late spring to early summer. One of the best of the purple foliage Heucheras.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses:

Attractive foliage and airy flower panicles provide color and contrast to the rock garden, perennial border or open woodland garden. Good edging plant. Mass to form an attractive ground cover.

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