Heuchera 'Obsidian' PP14836

Common Name: Coral Bells

Obsidian is the result of volcanic lava coming in contact with water. This process results in a glassy finish. Heuchera 'Obsidian' PP14836 exhibits this same glassy sheen and is closer to black than any other heuchera. The surface and edges of the rounded leaves are so smooth they look like they have been polished. Their undersides are deep purple and exhibit the same glassy finish.

Though this selection is grown mainly for its unusual foliage, its ornamental value is enhanced by the 24 inch tall scapes which bear smoky purple buds that open to cream flowers.

This selection forms a very compact, tight mound of foliage, making it ideal as an edging or in containers. It's fabulous when paired with brightly colored flowers and foliage in the garden. This new variety is destined to become a favorite!

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.

Height:

10.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-16.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

White Shades

Foliage Color:

Purple shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring Early Summer Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Formal

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Foliage Easy To Grow Edging Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Native to North America

Heucheras are easy perennials to grow and fit nicely in the front of any border, rock garden, or container. They grow most vigorously and have the stongest 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. Some varieties can withstand full sun in northern climates if they have consistant moisture, but their colors tend to fade with the intensity of the sun. The soil should be amended with organic matter prior to planting. It should also have good drainage and a neutral pH.

Heucheras are evergreen in areas with mild winters. If properly sited out of the way of winter winds and with reliable snow cover, gardeners in northern regions may also find their heucheras acting as evergreens. If the plant looks tattered by early spring, shear off any damaged leaves to make room for the vibrant new foliage which will fill in quickly.

Heucheras can be grown under Black Walnut trees because they are resistant to the toxin Juglone which the trees emit from their roots.

Heucheras are also salt tolerant. They are useful in the north along pathways which are salted in winter or for people gardening in coastal regions. Occasionally in northern regions, heucheras have a tendancy to heave out of the ground because of the freeze/thaw cycle. To combat heaving, add an extra layer of compost around the plant's roots in the fall. In the spring, if the plants have heaved at all, the new roots will grow into the fresh new layer of compost.

Characteristics