Coral Bells Obsidian Heuchera - 3 Gallon

Coral Bells Obsidian Heuchera - Dark Purple Black Foliage Perennial | 10-12" Tall, Individual Plants

Create dramatic contrast in your shade garden with stunning near-black foliage that never fades. The Coral Bells Obsidian Heuchera is a compact, award-winning perennial that has become one of the most sought-after varieties for its consistent dark coloration. This exceptional shade perennial has become ranked as one of the best Heuchera available today. With its rich dark purple to almost black, shiny leaves that remain dark throughout the growing season and do not fade and delicate creamy-white flower spikes, the Coral Bells Obsidian Heuchera transforms ordinary shade gardens into sophisticated landscapes. The crinkled lobed leaves emerge burgundy in spring, turning black in color with curious deep purple undersides create year-round visual interest while maintaining vigor and consistent performance under a variety of garden conditions. Unlike other shade plants that struggle to maintain color intensity, these dramatic coral bells provide bold foliage impact that actually deepens in color as the season progresses.

Why You'll Love the Coral Bells Obsidian

Dramatic Dark Foliage: Growing 10 inches tall (24 inches with flowers) and 12 inches wide makes this the perfect choice for shade borders, container gardens, and dramatic foliage contrasts in perennial beds.

Extended Season Interest: Plant them 12-18 inches apart and they quickly establish to provide panicles of small, bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers in early-mid summer on slender stems rising up to 24 inches above the semi-evergreen foliage. These award-winning perennials have shiny, dark purple to black foliage that holds its color all season.

Outstanding Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, coral bells are tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, poor soil, heat, cold, humidity and drought. Once established, Heuchera is one of the easiest perennials to grow.

Versatile Shade Solution: A low-maintenance landscaping choice due to deer resistant properties and adaptability to various shade conditions - perfect for gardeners seeking bold color in challenging shade locations.

Coral Bells Obsidian Details

• Botanical Name: Heuchera 'Obsidian'
• Type: Semi-evergreen perennial
• Mature Size: 10-12 inches tall × 12 inches wide (24 inches tall with flower spikes)
• Growth Rate: Moderate — clumps expand gradually via crown division
• Light: Partial shade to full shade (afternoon shade preferred)
• Soil: Organically rich, well-drained, medium moisture soils
• Water: Consistent moisture; avoid waterlogged conditions
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Best grown in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. However, adaptable to various soil types and avoid poorly draining or waterlogged locations.

Light Requirements: Generally prefer some shade in the heat of the afternoon in southern locations. While it can handle more sun in northern climates, it must have afternoon shade in the south.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness zone 4-9, making it suitable for most temperate regions with proper placement in shade gardens.

Care Instructions

Watering: Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid sogginess. If grown in full sun, consistent moisture is very important.

Pruning: Remove dead foliage when necessary. Cut back flower stems after blooming and remove any damaged leaves in late fall or early spring.

Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring for optimal foliage color and flower production in organically enriched soils.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Coral Bells Obsidian's dramatic foliage and compact size makes it suitable for: shade borders, container gardens, rock gardens, woodland plantings, perennial beds, pathway edging, and mass plantings for ground cover effect.

Shade Garden Accent: The near-black foliage provides stunning contrast against lighter colored plants, making it an excellent choice for creating visual depth and sophistication in shade gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Coral Bells Obsidian? Space your Heuchera 'Obsidian' 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation. Space plants 1-2 feet apart for mass plantings or give individual specimens more room.

Do the leaves really stay black all season? Yes, shiny, dark purple to black foliage holds its color all season and remain dark throughout the growing season and do not fade, making it superior to other dark-leaved varieties.

Are Coral Bells Obsidian deer resistant? Deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens where wildlife browsing is a concern, along with being suitable for shade locations where other plants struggle.