Heuchera Black Forest Cake (Coral Bells)

Noted for its excellent habit and showy flowers, Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’ (Coral Bells) is a compact, clump-forming, evergreen perennial sporting a striking foliage of smooth, dark chocolate leaves. In late spring to early to summer, panicles of small, bell-shaped, bright cherry-red flowers bloom on slender stems rising up to 12 in. (30 cm) above the foliage.

Noted for its excellent habit and showy flowers, Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake' (Coral Bells) is a compact, clump-forming, evergreen perennial sporting a striking foliage of smooth, dark chocolate leaves. In late spring to early to summer, panicles of small, bell-shaped, bright cherry-red flowers bloom on slender stems rising up to 12 in. (30 cm) above the foliage. This bold heuchera combines extremely well with a wide range of colors and helps create wonderful plant combinations in gardens or pots. A sturdy performer that is not only easy to grow, but also requires little maintenance and is virtually pest and disease free. Perfect for mixed borders and containers.

  • Forms a basal mound up to 6 in. tall (55 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
  • Performs best part shade, in rich, humusy, moist, well-drained soils. If grown in full sun, make sure the soil remains consistently moist or the foliage might decline. Thrives in dry shade, once established. Salt tolerant.
  • It is attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and often ignored by deer.
  • A spectacular addition to beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, woodland gardens and is ideal as a groundcover, edger along paths or in containers. Fabulous when planted in groups!
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for vine weevil and heuchera rust.
  • Propagate by division in autumn. Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years.
  • Remove stems of faded flowers to promote additional bloom. Apply winter mulch after the ground freezes to help prevent root heaving.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Heuchera – Coral Bells
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spread 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage