Heuchera Obsidian
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking dramatic, year-round dark foliage.
Heuchera Obsidian, also known as Coral Bells, is a striking perennial prized for its consistently dark, almost black foliage that resists fading, even in full sun. This cultivar forms a compact basal mound of shiny, rounded leaves, reaching about 8-10 inches in height and 16 inches in width. Delicate, creamy-white flowers appear in late spring to early summer on slender stems that rise above the foliage, adding a touch of elegance. It thrives in full sun to part shade conditions and is suitable for containers, mass plantings, or as a specimen plant in the garden.
$23.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1776
/ 2677
#1776 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-45%
Below average
Mature Height
12
/ to feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, moody foliage for visual impact
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, shade-tolerant greenery
- Landscape designers needing versatile plants for containers and borders
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions with intense, direct afternoon sun
- Plant owners unwilling to monitor for slugs and weevils
- Impatient gardeners looking for rapid, full-size growth
Performance breakdown
Foliage Color Depth
Deep, near-black pigment remains remarkably stable even under intense sun exposure.
Hardiness Range
Robust versatility across zones four through nine ensures reliable regional adaptability.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal intervention once the roots settle.
Drought Tolerance
Resilient once established, though it appreciates consistent moisture during extreme heat.
Growth Habit
Compact, tidy mounds provide a clean aesthetic for borders or containers.
Visual Interest
Evergreen foliage delivers consistent texture and color throughout the entire year.
Key Specs
Mature Height
1 to 2 feet
Mature Width
0.75 to 1.50 feet
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Sunlight
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirements
Water well until established
Features
- Striking, non-fading black foliage
- Compact basal mound growth habit
- Delicate creamy-white flowers
- Suitable for full sun to part shade
- Low maintenance requirements
- Drought tolerant once established
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with the Heuchera Obsidian, primarily praising its exceptional quality and striking visual design. Reviewers frequently note the plants arrive healthy and robust, establishing well in diverse garden environments. The deep, dark foliage is a standout feature, adding sophisticated beauty and texture. Gardeners appreciate its low maintenance nature and the lasting aesthetic appeal it brings, reinforcing a strong sense of value for this distinctive plant.
Know before you buy
The Obsidian cultivar is specifically prized for its color stability. Unlike some other dark-leafed varieties, its deep, near-black foliage is highly resistant to fading and maintains its intensity even when planted in full sun.
Heuchera Obsidian is hardy in zones 4 through 9. Because it is an evergreen perennial, it will retain its foliage throughout the winter in most of these climates, providing year-round interest.
Since this plant reaches a mature width of about 16 inches, you should space them approximately 14 to 16 inches apart on center. This allows the compact mounds to touch without overcrowding, creating a seamless, dark carpet effect.
Once the root system is fully established in your garden, it develops good drought tolerance. However, you must provide consistent moisture during the first growing season to ensure the plant settles in properly.
Yes, its compact, mounded growth habit makes it an excellent choice for containers. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes, as these plants prefer moist but well-draining soil.
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$24