Heuchera 'Midnight Rose'

Heuchera 'Midnight Rose': Black Velvet Leaves Splashed With Pink

'Midnight Rose' looks like a little black dress somebody splattered with hot pink paint and called it couture. The spots grow and fade to cream and pink as the season goes on. AFTER HOURS, IN THE SHADE.

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 white bells in foamy sprays
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Lobed, nearly black leaves with hot pink spots in spring. The spots get larger and turn cream and pink as the season goes on.
• Plant Patent: USPP 18,551

Where to Plant: Use it at the front of a shady border or in a container where the speckles can be seen up close. A row along a path under trees gives colour from spring to frost.

Companion Plants: Start the season with Helleborus HGC® Ice N' Roses® Dark Picotee, which flowers from March into May at 30 to 45 cm. Astilbe 'Diamond' stands behind at 75 to 80 cm with white plumes from June through August, taking over as the coral bells finish. Epimedium 'Frohnleiten' adds yellow flowers in April and May and stays low at 30 to 40 cm. All three like shade with some sun, the same as this heuchera.

Plant Care: Plant in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with the crown at soil level. Heuchera rots in soggy ground, so loosen clay with compost before planting. It takes morning sun, but give it afternoon shade in a hot spot to keep the leaves from scorching. Water regularly through the first season. In early spring, trim off any leaves burned by winter. Remove spent flower stems after bloom. Divide every three to four years, or whenever the crown starts to lift out of the soil.

History: 'Midnight Rose' was found by Terri Poindexter and introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon. It was named best new plant at the Woking Nursery Exhibition in England.

Final Thoughts: Plant it front and centre where everyone can see the freckles. Deer don't do fashion. THE SPOTS ARE THE POINT.