Heuchera micrantha var. diversifolia 'Palace Purple'
Common name: Coral Bells
Zone 3 to 10.
Sun to Shade depending on zone.
Plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide,
upright, compact clump-forming.
1991 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Clump-forming perennial features a basal mound of maple or ivy-like, long-petioled leaves (3 to 5 inches wide) which are an attractive deep purple above and beet red beneath. Foliage color may fade to a bronze green in hot summers. Tiny, pinkish white, bell-shaped flowers in open, airy panicles are borne on slender, wiry, dark red stems extending well above the mound of leaves typically to a height of 15 to 24 inches in late spring to early summer.
Easy to grow average soil; Heucheras will perform best in organically rich, humus, medium wet, well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Performs well in full sun in the north, but prefers some afternoon shade in the south. If grown in full sun, consistent moisture is particularly important. They grow most vigorously and have the strongest colors when grown in partial shade (preferably afternoon shade). They can also be grown in full shade but their growth rate will be very slow.
Coral bells are easy to grow and blend easily with most other perennials in the landscape. Because of their low, mounding habit, they are often used as edging along paths or in containers. Remove stems of faded flowers to encourage additional bloom. Foliage is essentially evergreen in warm winter climates, but the amount of retained foliage color in cold winter climates depends upon the temperatures. In cold winter climates, winter mulch applied after the ground freezes will help prevent root heaving. Clumps may be divided in the spring every 3 to 4 years.
Attributes: Border plants, Container, Cut flower or foliage, Edging, Mass planting, Salt Tolerant, Specimen or focal point plant, Deer resistant, Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. |
