Heuchera 'Obsidian' Coral Bells
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking dramatic, year-round shade foliage.
Heuchera 'Obsidian' coral bells offer striking, nearly black foliage with subtle undertones of purple and maroon, making them a bold addition to shady borders and container gardens. In summer, tall scapes of delicate white bellflowers emerge, providing a beautiful contrast to the dark leaves and attracting pollinators. Known for being one of the easiest perennials to grow, 'Obsidian' thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. This plant is evergreen in mild winters and adds continuous visual interest throughout the seasons.
$17.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1080
/ 2713
#1080 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-59%
Below average
Zones
49
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, moody foliage for sophisticated landscapes
- Busy homeowners wanting resilient, low-effort perennial greenery
- Designers needing versatile plants for containers and shaded borders
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited time to monitor specific light conditions
- Owners of heavy, clay-based soil prone to water retention
- Flower enthusiasts prioritizing vibrant, showy floral displays
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Deep, near-black leaves provide a dramatic, high-contrast anchor for shady beds.
Ease of Care
A low-maintenance perennial that thrives with minimal intervention from the gardener.
Pollinator Appeal
Delicate summer blooms effectively draw hummingbirds and bees to the garden.
Versatility
Adapts perfectly to both container displays and traditional landscape border plantings.
Environmental Tolerance
Rare juglone tolerance allows for planting near challenging black walnut trees.
Seasonal Longevity
Evergreen foliage ensures consistent visual interest throughout the entire calendar year.
Key Specs
Zones
4-9
Light Requirements
Part Shade to Shade
Soil Preference
Moist, well-draining soil
Height at Maturity
8"-10"
Width at Maturity
16"
Bloom Color
White/Cream
Bloom Time
Summer
Foliage Color
Almost Black
Features
- Striking, nearly black foliage provides year-round interest.
- Delicate white bellflowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
- Easy to grow and maintain, ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Tolerates juglone, making it suitable for planting near black walnut trees.
- Evergreen in mild winters, offering continuous color.
- Suitable for container planting, adding dramatic color to patios and balconies.
- Contrasting flower color enhances the dark foliage.
What customers say
Customers frequently praise the exceptional quality and striking design of the Heuchera 'Obsidian' Coral Bells. Many reviews highlight the plants arriving healthy and robust, often exceeding expectations for size and vigor. The deep, dark foliage is consistently admired for its dramatic visual impact, providing a sophisticated contrast in garden settings. Gardeners appreciate its hardiness and ability to thrive, making it a reliable choice for adding unique texture and color. The overall consensus points to a highly satisfying purchase, reflecting strong confidence in the plant's aesthetic appeal and enduring performance.
Know before you buy
Yes, 'Obsidian' is prized for its deep, nearly black foliage that provides consistent color. In mild climates, the plant remains evergreen, ensuring your garden maintains that dramatic contrast even during the off-season.
Absolutely. 'Obsidian' is tolerant of juglone, the chemical compound produced by black walnut trees that often inhibits the growth of other plants, making it a reliable choice for those difficult garden spots.
These coral bells perform best in part shade to full shade. In warmer climates, it is essential to provide afternoon shade to protect the foliage from scorching and to keep the soil consistently moist.
Yes, their compact size and striking color make them excellent candidates for containers. Ensure your pot has good drainage and use a high-quality potting mix to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
While not strictly necessary, removing the spent flower scapes after they finish blooming in late summer can help the plant direct its energy back into maintaining its lush, dark foliage.
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