Midnight Rose Coral Bell

The 'Midnight Rose' Coral Bell (Heuchera 'Midnight Rose') is an award-winning perennial known for its striking, near-black foliage heavily speckled with hot pink spots that fade to cream as the season progresses. 

Key Features and Description

• Foliage: The main attraction of the plant is its dynamic, crinkled, lobed leaves. They emerge burgundy in spring and turn a deep purple-black, featuring distinctive, eye-catching hot pink spots that eventually fade to creamy white.
• Flowers: Dainty spikes of small, creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers rise above the mounded foliage in late spring to mid-summer. While not as showy as the leaves, they attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Size and Habit: It grows in a compact, mounding form, reaching about 10-12 inches tall with a spread of 16-18 inches. The foliage remains dense to the ground.
• Hardiness: This tough plant is cold-hardy and heat/humidity tolerant, suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. The leaves are semi-evergreen in warmer climates.
• Uses: Its unique appearance makes it excellent for adding dramatic color contrast in shaded borders, rock gardens, containers, and as a groundcover or path edging. It pairs well with plants with blue-tinted or bright-green leaves, such as Hostas and Ferns. 
  

Planting & Care

• Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade (around 4 hours of morning sun) to maintain its rich color and spotting. It can tolerate full sun in cooler regions, but consistent moisture is crucial to prevent leaf scorch. It also grows in full shade, though the colors may be less vibrant.
• Soil: Thrives in organically rich, humusy, well-drained soil. Proper drainage is vital to prevent crown rot; avoid planting the crown too deeply.
• Watering: Requires regular watering to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells or high heat. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant, but keeping the soil evenly moist like a "wrung-out sponge" results in plusher foliage.
  

Maintenance:

• Pruning: Remove any tattered or winter-damaged leaves in early spring as new growth emerges.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.
• Winter Care: In cold winter climates, apply a thick layer of mulch after the ground freezes to help prevent the roots from frost heaving.