Black Taffeta Coral Bells

Black Taffeta Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Black Taffeta') is a mounding perennial grown for its dark, purple-black leaves with a rippled, ruffled edge, forming a clump about 30cm high and 40cm wide. Slender stems lift tiny pale pink bells to 45cm in mid-spring and summer. It is a dramatic dark-leaved heuchera that tolerates more sun than paler kinds.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage that changes. The leaves move from shiny black to chestnut red through the seasons, and the colour deepens as the plant matures.
• More sun than most heucheras. Black-leaved heucheras tolerate more sunlight than paler-leaved varieties, so this is the safer pick for a brighter spot.
• Frost hardy and humidity tolerant. It is totally frost hardy and, once established, copes with humidity, so it works in cold southern gardens and humid northern ones.
• Light, airy flowers. Pale pink bells float above the dark foliage on slender stems in mid-spring and summer.
• Pet friendly. Coral bells are not considered toxic to cats or dogs, though any plant can upset a pet that eats a lot of it.

Where it works best

Borders and beds. Plant 40cm apart in a drift so the mounds join into a rolling band of dark foliage. Pair it with silver, lime and gold leaves for contrast.

Cottage and informal gardens. Its dark, ruffled leaves anchor soft planting such as roses, ferns and perennials.

Underplanting and pots. Tuck it beneath shrubs and small trees, or grow it in a patio pot. Pots dry out faster, so water more often.

Growing Black Taffeta Coral Bells in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to dappled or part shade. Black-leaved forms cope with more sun than paler heucheras, but they need more water in full sun, and in warmer gardens through summer, to keep the leaves lush. It is totally frost hardy and, once established, humidity tolerant.

Soil. Moist, well-drained soil. Plant heucheras slightly proud of the soil, so that the centre of the plant sits above soil level and water drains away from the crown.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and mulch again each spring. Give it more water in full sun and through summer in warm gardens.

Pruning. Cut back any dead or untidy foliage in spring to make room for new growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Black Taffeta Coral Bells as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly), in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical way to fill a border, the 140mm pots give a fuller clump and the 200mm pots suit a container display from the start. Plants settle in within a few weeks of planting.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our heuchera range
• Low growing plants for borders
• Plants for partial shade
• Plants for pots

Common questions

Can Black Taffeta take full sun?

More than most heucheras, yes. Black-leaved varieties tolerate stronger light than paler ones, but it needs more water in full sun and in warm summers to keep the leaves lush.

Why plant it slightly proud of the soil?

Raising the crown keeps water from collecting at the centre of the plant. Mulch around it, but keep the crown itself clear.

How big does it get?

The leafy mound reaches about 30cm high and 40cm wide, and the flower stems rise to about 45cm.