Heucherella 'Copper King'

Heucherella 'Copper King': Bronze-Toned Boldness for the Shade

Warm, rich, and architectural, Heucherella 'Copper King' brings a commanding presence to shaded plantings with its deeply lobed foliage in lustrous tones of copper, caramel, and warm orange. Each leaf is overlaid with dark burgundy veining, adding depth and structure to the display. In late spring to early summer, creamy-white flower spikes rise above the foliage, offering gentle contrast and seasonal softness to this otherwise bold cultivar.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–25 cm (35–45 cm in bloom)
• Spread: 40–50 cm
• Flower Colour: Creamy white
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Boldly lobed copper-orange leaves with deep burgundy veining
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Uses and Benefits: Heucherella 'Copper King' is a striking choice for containers, border edges, and layered shade gardens where bold foliage is needed to anchor or enliven the composition. Its vibrant tones bring contrast to cooler greens and purples, while its compact habit and textural appeal lend structure throughout the season. As a hybrid between Heuchera and Tiarella, it offers the best of both genera—showy leaves, soft floral wands, and reliable performance in shade.

Companion Plants: Let Heucherella 'Copper King' glow beside the dark green blades of Carex 'Blue Zinger' for cool contrast and movement. Pair it with Hosta 'Autumn Frost' to balance the copper tones with silvery-blue foliage. Add Athyrium 'Regal Red', whose fine-textured fronds and ruby stems echo the heucherella’s warm undertones and deepen the palette.

Care Instructions: Grow in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid prolonged dryness or excessive winter wet. Remove old foliage in early spring and divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigour and a tidy form.

History: Heucherella 'Copper King' is a modern intergeneric hybrid developed for its striking foliage colour and strong heat tolerance. Combining the vigour of Heuchera villosa with the refined charm of Tiarella cordifolia, it offers durable performance and vibrant colour in even challenging shade conditions.

Final Thoughts: With foliage that gleams like aged bronze and a structure that holds its form through the seasons, Heucherella 'Copper King' is a regal addition to any shaded planting. It brings warmth, contrast, and quiet strength to the garden scene, year after year.