Heucherella 'Copper King'

Heucherella 'Copper King': A Copper Crown for the Shady Corner

Bright orange leaves with copper centres, turning up in the shade garden like a bonfire somebody forgot to put out. 'Copper King' rules the dark corners and expects A CROWN, A THRONE AND A LITTLE RESPECT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: ×Heucherella hybrid
• Common Name: Foamy Bells
• Height: 25–30 cm (10–12 in) in leaf; flower stems reach 46–50 cm (18–20 in)
• Spread: 50–60 cm (20–24 in)
• Flowers: Creamy white, in densely branched sprays on red stems
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Large, lobed, maple-like leaves up to 13 cm (5 in) across; bright orange with copper-red centres and yellow edges in spring, maturing to green with a mahogany pattern by fall
• Plant Patent: USPP 35,191

Where to Plant: Use it as a bright focal point in a shady border, along a woodland path, or in a large container. Its large size makes it good for filling gaps under shrubs, and a spot with morning sun brings out the best colour.

Companion Plants: Rodgersia aesculifolia gives bold structure at the back, with cream flowers on stems to 120 cm in June and July. Mertensia virginica brings blue flowers in April and May, just ahead of the foamy bells. Eurybia divaricata 'Eastern Star' closes the year with white flowers from August into October at 30 to 45 cm. Each one likes shade to partial sun, so the planting holds together from spring right through fall.

Plant Care: Plant in humus-rich, well-drained soil, with the crown at soil level. Morning sun and afternoon shade give the richest colour. Water through the first season and during dry spells. Like its parents, it dislikes soggy winter soil. Loosen heavy clay with compost, and mulch lightly after the ground freezes to prevent frost heaving. Trim old leaves in early spring and remove spent flower stems after bloom. Divide in spring every few years if the clump gets crowded or woody.

History: Hans A. Hansen bred 'Copper King' at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2017 cross between a Heuchera hybrid and Tiarella 'Cutting Edge', and Walters Gardens introduced it in 2023. Foamy bells are hybrids of coral bells (Heuchera) and foamflower (Tiarella), two genera native to North America.

Final Thoughts: Morning sun, afternoon shade, and a royal decree that every boring green groundcover nearby is now SERVING THE KING.