Forever Purple Heuchera

A compact coral bells hybrid (Heuchera 'Forever Purple') grown mainly for its foliage. 'Forever Purple' forms a tidy mound of glossy, ruffled leaves in a deep, saturated purple that holds its colour through the season rather than fading to bronze in summer heat. The leaves have distinctly wavy, scalloped edges and a slight silvery overlay in cooler weather.

Size and habit

• Foliage mound roughly 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) tall and 14 to 18 inches (35 to 45 cm) wide.
• In bloom the flower spikes rise to about 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 cm).
• Neat, clumping, semi-evergreen habit that works well at the front of a border or in containers.

Bloom

Slender spikes of small reddish-purple to magenta flowers appear on dark stems from early to midsummer, sitting above the foliage. Deadheading spent spikes keeps the plant looking clean and can encourage a lighter second flush. The flowers are attractive to bees and hummingbirds.

Growing conditions

• Hardiness: USDA zones 4 to 9.
• Light: part shade is ideal; tolerates more sun in cooler climates and in reliably moist soil, but harsh afternoon sun can scorch the foliage.
• Soil: rich, humusy, well-drained soil with even moisture. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground, which invites crown rot.
• Plant with the crown at soil level, not buried.

Care

• Water regularly in the first season to establish; afterward it is moderately drought tolerant but looks best with steady moisture.
• Refresh mulch in spring, keeping it off the crown.
• Frost heaving can lift the shallow crown over winter; press plants back down or top-dress in early spring, and divide clumps every 3 to 4 years to keep them vigorous.
• Trim tattered leaves in late winter before new growth emerges.

Pet and household safety

Not on the ASPCA lists. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's plant lists for cats and dogs have no entry for this plant (they do have entries for relatives, such as Heuchera sanguinea), and we have no other checked source either way. If a pet chews it and seems unwell, call your vet or a pet poison helpline.