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Heuchera x Obsidian

Coral Bells (Alum Root): Patent PP14836, COPF

The dark, smooth, glossy, near-black foliage with deep purple undersides is reminiscent of the polished gemstone obsidian.

  • »  Insignificant, white flowers
  • »  Glossy, near-black foliage with deep purple undersides
  • »  Flat, smooth, rounded leaves form a tight, compact mound
  • »  Excellent choice for a full sun landscape
  • »  Flowering time: May to June
  • »  Flower Height: 65 cm

1gal
$31.33
  • Category:Perennials
  • Hardiness Zone:3
  • Height:25-30 cm
  • Spread:40-45 cm
  • Bloom Color: White
Exposure
• Partial Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
• Moist to Average
• Well-drained
Attracts Wildlife
• Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate
• Medium
Attributes
• Drought Tolerant
• Evergreen
• Low Maintenance
Flowering Time
• Lt. Spr-Sum
• Summer
Habit
• Compact
• Mounding
Foliage Color
• Black
• Purple
Landscape uses
• Border/edging
• Rock garden
• Woodland/woods edge
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Additional Information about Heuchera x 'Obsidian'

Parentage: Heuchera americana x Heuchera villosa x Heuchera micrantha.

  • Heuchera americana (Fancy-leafed Coral Bells) Tolerates extreme heat and cold and is native to Ontario.
  • Heuchera villosa (Hairy Alum Root)  Tolerates heat and humidity. More shade loving and leaves have a hairy, velvety texture. Flowers tend to last longer than others of the species. 
  • Heuchera micrantha (Small Flowered Alum Root) Grows best in or tolerates wetter locations. Remains evergreen in Ontario winters. More ruffled and curled leaf habit.
  • Heuchera cylindrica (Poker Coral Bells) Tolerates harsh, extreme temperatures and drying winds. Known for its short, compact flower habit and a more rounded, leaf shape. 
  • Heuchera sanguinea (Coral Bells) Extremely drought and heat tolerant. Known for a more intense, flower colour and earlier bloom time. One of the first species to be used for breeding. Semi-evergreen foliage. 

 

 

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Heuchera x 'Obsidian'

Grows best in an average to moist, well-drained soil, in partial sun. Newer cultivars are bred to tolerate more extreme growing conditions such as drought, heat, humidity, and exposure levels. Heuchera are very versatile and create an excellent, colour, contrast option, in mass or as an individual, accent perennial. Remove spent flowers from taller cultivars to keep a uniform appearance. When planting, it is important to note that the crown should remain slightly above the soil level to prevent stem rot. Root weevils are a common problem for coral bells.