Product Description
Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple' (3.5-inch pot)
Common name: Coral Bells
The original purple coral bells, 'Palace Purple' is perhaps the most well-recognized and widely planted variety of all heucheras. It was the 1991 Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year.
This selection has very large, shiny, and star-shaped leaves, ranging in color from deep olive green to purplish-bronze. Their undersides, which are quite visible in the loosely formed clumps, are a striking metallic amethyst purple. The 20-inch tall, leafed flower scapes bear an abundance of tiny cream flowers.
Coral bells are easy to grow and blend easily with most other perennials in the landscape. Because of their low, mounding habit, they are often used as edging along paths or in containers. Try cutting a few of the tall flower scapes for fresh bouquets.
Heucheras are easy perennials to grow and fit nicely in the front of any border, rock garden, or container. They grow most vigorously and have the stongest colors when grown in partial shade (preferably afternoon shade). They can also be grown in full shade, but their growth rate will be very slow. Some varieties can withstand full sun in northern climates if they have consistant moisture, but their colors tend to fade with the intensity of the sun. The soil should be amended with organic matter prior to planting. It should also have good drainage and a neutral pH.
Heucheras are evergreen in areas with mild winters. If properly sited out of the way of winter winds and with reliable snow cover, gardeners in northern regions may also find their heucheras acting as evergreens. If the plant looks tattered by early spring, shear off any damaged leaves to make room for the vibrant new foliage which will fill in quickly.
Heucheras can be grown under Black Walnut trees because they are resistant to the toxin Juglone which the trees emit from their roots.
Heucheras are also salt tolerant. They are useful in the north along pathways which are salted in winter or for people gardening in coastal regions. Occasionally in northern regions, heucheras have a tendancy to heave out of the ground because of the freeze/thaw cycle. To combat heaving, add an extra layer of compost around the plant's roots in the fall. In the spring, if the plants have heaved at all, the new roots will grow into the fresh new layer of compost.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 1991
Height: 8.0-12.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-16.0 Inches
Scape Height: 26.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Multicolored
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring - Midsummer
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Edging, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple' is a popular and striking perennial prized for its deep, rich purple foliage. It is a fantastic choice for adding a pop of color and texture to your garden. Here is a breakdown of its key features:
Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple' (Palace Purple Coral Bells)
- Type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (very adaptable)
- Height: 12-18 inches (foliage), flower stalks can reach up to 2 feet
- Spread: 18-24 inches
- Foliage: Deep purple, almost black, maple-shaped leaves with a slightly ruffled edge
- Flowers: Small, creamy white, bell-shaped flowers borne on tall, slender stalks
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
- Light: Partial shade to full shade (foliage color is best in partial shade)
- Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
- Uses: Borders, edging, groundcover, container plantings, woodland gardens
Why 'Palace Purple' is a Great Choice
- Stunning Foliage: The deep purple leaves provide year-round interest and add a touch of drama to the garden.
- Versatile: Works well in a variety of garden settings.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to care for once established.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Deer Resistant: Generally, not bothered by deer.
How to Grow 'Palace Purple'
- Planting: Plant in spring or fall. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart.
- Soil: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Light: Choose a location with partial shade to full shade. The foliage color is best in partial shade.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water more frequently during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate plants.
Potential Problems
- Crown Rot: Can be a problem in poorly drained soil.
- Slugs and Snails: Can be occasional pests.
- Leaf Spot: Fungal disease that can be treated with fungicides.
Where to Find 'Palace Purple'
- Local Nurseries: Check your local garden centers and nurseries.
- Online Retailers: Many online retailers sell 'Palace Purple' Heuchera.
Heuchera 'Palace Purple' is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of bold color and texture to your garden. Its low maintenance requirements and versatility make it a great option for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
