Heuchera 'Obsidian'

Heuchera 'Obsidian': As Dark as Shade Gets

'Obsidian' is so dark you'll wonder if somebody spilled the coffee. Glossy, near-black leaves that hold their colour all summer and handle more sun than most dark coral bells. BLACK. GLOSSY. TOTALLY UNIMPRESSED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Heuchera hybrid
• Common Name: Coral Bells
• Height: 25 cm (10 in) in leaf; flower stems reach about 60 cm (24 in)
• Spread: 40 cm (16 in)
• Flowers: Small creamy white bells on dark reddish stems
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Glossy, smooth, rounded leaves, reddish-black in spring and near-black when mature. Holds colour well through summer.
• Plant Patent: USPP 14,836

Where to Plant: Use it as the dark accent that makes lighter neighbours shine, along a shady walk or in modern containers. It tolerates more sun than most dark-leaved types, so it forgives a brighter spot.

Companion Plants: Near-black leaves look striking beside Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze', which adds white flowers in May and June. Carex 'Bowles Golden' brings a golden sedge at 60 to 90 cm, a bright contrast to the dark heuchera. Hosta 'June Fever' adds lavender flowers in July and August at 40 cm. All three grow in shade or part shade.

Plant Care: Plant in well-drained soil enriched with compost, keeping the crown level with the surface. Avoid places where water collects in spring, and amend heavy clay before planting. It handles morning sun well. In a hot, open site, afternoon shade keeps the leaves glossy. Water through dry stretches, especially in the first year. Remove old flower stems after bloom and trim winter-worn leaves in early spring. Divide every three or four years in spring, replanting so the crown sits at soil level.

History: 'Obsidian' is a Terra Nova Nurseries introduction from Oregon that holds US plant patent 14,836 and earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in the UK. Obsidian is a black volcanic glass, a fair description of the leaves.

Final Thoughts: Pair it with chartreuse or gold and let the contrast do the shouting. The deer stay away. VOLCANIC GLASS, ZERO FRAGILITY.