Heuchera Primo® 'Black Pearl'

Heuchera Primo® 'Black Pearl': Jet-Black Ruffles That Make Gold Glow

'Black Pearl' sails into the shade garden like a pirate ship with excellent taste. Glossy jet-black leaves, scalloped and ruffled, with rosy purple undersides. THE TREASURE CHEST IS OPEN.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Heuchera hybrid
• Common Name: Coral Bells
• Series: Primo®, a Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 20–25 cm (8–10 in) in leaf; flower stems 45–50 cm (18–20 in)
• Spread: 45–50 cm (18–20 in)
• Flowers: Small white flowers in pink calyxes
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July to August)
• Foliage: Glossy jet-black leaves 10–11 cm (4–4.5 in) across, with scalloped, ruffled edges and rosy purple undersides
• Features: Proven Winners Perennial of the Year 2018, salt tolerant

Where to Plant: Use it where you want contrast: as edging for shady beds, an accent in containers, or a filler under shrubs. It tolerates some salt, so it can handle spots near sidewalks. Part shade suits it best.

Companion Plants: Plant Primo® 'Black Pearl' in a moist bed in shade or part sun with silver brunnera and big white plumes. Brunnera 'Alexander's Great' opens sky-blue flowers at 35 to 40 cm in April and May over big silver leaves. Rudbeckia 'Prairie Sun' adds big golden daisies at 70 to 90 cm from July to October in the sunnier spot. Persicaria polymorpha brings feathery white plumes at 120 to 180 cm from June to August. Carex 'Ice Dance' edges the front with white-edged blades at 30 cm.

Plant Care: Walters Gardens says it grows most vigorously in part shade, ideally with afternoon shade, though it keeps its dark colour in full sun too. Plant in moist, well-drained soil with organic matter, keeping the crown at soil level. Water regularly in the first season, and during dry spells after that. In early spring, trim away any leaves damaged over winter. Cut finished flower stems at the base. When the crown rises above the soil and turns woody, usually every three or four years, lift and divide it in spring.

History: 'Black Pearl' was introduced by Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, in the Primo® line of large-leaved coral bells sold under the Proven Winners® brand, and was named the 2018 Perennial of the Year. Its Heuchera villosa background helps explain its tolerance of heat and humidity.

Final Thoughts: Plant it next to gold or lime and let it plunder all the attention. Deer and salt can walk the plank. ARR, IT'S GORGEOUS.