Forever Purple Coral Bells

Forever Purple Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Forever Purple') is a dense, fast-growing perennial mound about 30cm high and 50cm wide, with small scalloped leaves in glossy purple netted with black veins. Pink bell flowers rise on slender stems in spring. It holds its deep colour through the year, which makes it a reliable base for a shaded border.

Why you'll love it

• Colour all year. Glossy purple leaves with black veins hold their rich colour right through the seasons, so the bed never looks bare.
• Quick to fill. Dense, mounding and fast-growing, it knits into a continuous low band in a short time.
• Rippled leaf edges. Crinkled, scalloped edges add texture even in a very plain planting.
• Totally frost hardy. Cold winters are no problem for it, so frost-prone gardens can grow it with confidence.
• Pet friendly. Coral bells are not considered toxic to cats or dogs.

Where it works best

Shaded borders. Plant 45cm apart for a continuous low band. At 50cm wide the mounds touch at that spacing, and the dark leaves make a strong frame for brighter flowers.

Cottage and informal gardens. Pair it with silver foliage, roses and soft perennials, which the purple tones flatter.

Underplanting. Plant it beneath shrubs and small trees where the light is dappled, to carry colour into the shade.

Growing Forever Purple Coral Bells in Australia

Position and climate. Part sun to dappled or part shade. Keep it out of fierce afternoon sun: in full sun, and in warmer gardens through summer, it needs more watering to keep the leaves lush. It is totally frost hardy.

Soil. Moist but well-drained, light soil. Add compost at planting.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and mulch again each spring. Refresh the mulch in autumn.

Pruning. Cut back any dead or untidy foliage in spring to make room for new growth. Large plants with multiple crowns can be divided and replanted in autumn, which gives you extra plants to spread around the garden.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Forever Purple Coral Bells as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly) and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to fill a long border, and the 140mm pots give a fuller mound 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 the full heuchera range
• Shade gardening: what to plant where
• More plants for partial shade
• Frost hardy plants

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

Quickly for a perennial. It forms a dense mound about 50cm wide, so plants 45cm apart soon close into a continuous border.

Can I divide it?

Yes. In autumn, lift large plants that have multiple crowns, divide them and replant the pieces.

What soil does it like?

Moist but well-drained, light soil with a layer of mulch on top. It needs more watering in full sun and in warm summers to keep the leaves lush.