Heuchera 'Venus'

Venus is so showy, keeping its silvery sheen and dark veining even throughout the summer heat! The large leaves are held straight out on this nicely-shaped plant, neat enough for a formal edging or accent plant, yet very suitable for the informal shady bed or border, too. In early summer, little sprays of flowers arise on long, slender stalks from the center of the plant; not very showy, they may be snipped off or left alone, as you desire. The foliage is the real star here -- lush, distinctive, and gorgeous for months and months on end!

The Planet Series of Coral Bells is named to reflect the misty, glittery look of each variety. Saturn has a pewter base overlaid with dark veins and red-tinted edges, and Mercury has rich, dark marbling on a green background. Planted together they make a stunning trio, and individually each adds unusual tones to the blues and greens of the shade garden. Very effective with shade-loving plants from Lily-of-the-Valley to Ferns, this Coral Bells is a hard-to-find treasure for any garden.

Grow Venus in well-drained soil heavily enriched with compost and other organics. It tolerates partial shade to sun, and does best in moist but not damp soil. Space plants about a foot apart for good solid coverage. Zones 4-8.