Heuchera 'Blackout' Coral Bells

Heuchera 'Blackout' is a compact, evergreen (in warm climates) perennial that reaches a mature size of 8 to 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide, offers 3 seasons to year-round interest, and blooms midsummer. Grown mainly for its stunning basal rosette of intensely colored foliage, the plant's rounded, glossy, near-black leaves have a slight wave and are held nearly horizontal on dark purple petioles. Numerous small, bell-shaped, creamy white flowers rise above the foliage on slender 10-inch scapes, appearing to float above the foliage. The flowers beckon bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and last a long time in floral arrangements.

'Blackout' is a Heuchera hybrid, commonly called heuchera, coral bells, or alumroot. Has a low, mounding, clumping habit and a moderate but more vigorous growth rate than is typical for a dark foliaged heuchera. 'Blackout' coral bells is a versatile plant that grows well in container or garden. But it's shown to best effect massed or grouped and it is an excellent edging plant for paths or walkways. Ferns, astilbe, geranium, hakonechloa, and hosta are good companion plants for heuchera.

A cold hardy, easy-grow, easy-care plant, 'Blackout' heuchera is virtually carefree. It grows best in a sunny to partially shady location with average to fertile, medium moist, loose, freely draining soil, having a neutral (7.0) to acidic (5.5 and 6.2) pH, but it performs well in most soils. Heuchera is somewhat drought tolerant once established, but its foliage declines in overly dry soil. Consistent moisture is recommended for this shallow-rooted plant, especially if grown in full sun in hot climates, where afternoon shade may also be beneficial. Fertilize and remove dead leaves in spring and mulch in late fall to moderate soil temperature and prevent heaving. Deer resistant.