If you are looking for some hardy evergreen perennials that can grow well in shady spaces, then you should definitely consider heuchera varieties!
These stunning plants, commonly known as coral bells or alumroot, are beloved for their vibrant foliage and delicate blooms. With a wide range of colors, leaf shapes, and textures, Heuchera varieties can really spruce up any garden out there.
Their lovely blooms are also great for attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds!
We are going to cover 15 beautiful heuchera varieties that can be easily grown, so keep on reading to find out more about them.
1. Ebony And Ivory
Plant description: Captivating variety known for its striking contrast of glossy dark leaves and crisp white veins. Delicate white flowers start blooming in late spring, adding a touch of elegance to this dramatic plant.
Plant size: 20 inches
Garden benefits: Adding dramatic effects to the garden, flowers attract pollinators
Ideal settings: Woodland gardens, shaded borders, containers
Hardiness zone: USDA zone 4
We are going to begin with one of the most stunning Heuchera varieties, Ebony and Ivory. With its compact dark foliage and tiny white flowers, this plant creates a dramatic visual effect in the garden.
This is one of the best container plants for shade since it can thrive in partial to full shade. It also prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Regular watering is required to keep the soil moist.
2. Obsidian
Plant description: Features intense, velvety lobed leaves that have a prominent reddish-black color. They remain dark throughout the growing season. Stalks of tiny creamy-white flowers appear in early summer.
Plant size: 12 inches
Garden benefits: Deer and rabbit resistant, adaptable to various garden styles
Ideal settings: Shaded borders, containers, woodland gardens
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
This Heuchera variety is known for its low-maintenance nature and adaptability to shade. Its dark leaves along with lovely flower stalks create a delightful addition to the garden.
Heuchera “Obsidian” thrives in well-draining and nutrient-rich soil. It can tolerate a range of temperatures. It benefits from regular watering to maintain evenly moist soil.
3. Peppermint Spice
Plant description: This plant produces mint green leaves with burgundy veins that create a charming peppermint-like appearance. The leaves have slightly ruffled textures. Small, salmon-pink flowers appear in early summer.
Plant size: 20 inches
Garden benefits: Playful addition to the garden, resistant to pests and diseases, attracts pollinators, contributes to biodiversity
Ideal settings: Shaded borders, containers
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
Here is yet another delightful variety that is perfect for shaded areas or filtered sunlight. This plant resembles peppermint, hence the name “Peppermint spice”. It is often planted as a focal point or combined with other colorful plants.
It grows well in both full to partial shade. The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight, especially during hot summer days. Regular watering and well-draining soil are a must for this plant to grow and thrive.
4. Tangerine Wave
Plant description: Vibrant plant that features ruffled leaves in beige, gold, orange red, and dark red colors. Compact foliage creates a wave-like effect in the garden, hence the name. Small pink or white flowers start growing in early summer.
Plant size: 10 inches
Garden benefits: Adds a lively and energetic atmosphere to the garden, deer and rabbit resistant
Ideal settings: Containers or borders
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
If you want to add some tropical vibes to the garden, then planting Heuchera “Tangerine wave” is a great way to go!
This unique Heuchera variety is often planted in groups for a striking display of wavy leaves that have soft tropical colors. They can truly add a burst of color and vibrancy to any garden!
Tangerine waves thrive in shady areas, although they can tolerate some sun exposure as well. It prefers growing in nutrient-rich soils that are also well-draining. You should add mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the crown of the plant in spring.
5. Timeless Series
Plant description: Five varieties that offer a range of colors, including shades of green, burgundy, silver, and more. The leaves have unique textures, veining patterns, and shapes. The flowers are relatively similar, ranging from pale pink to deep rosy red.
Plant size: 18 inches
Garden benefits: Contribute to the overall aesthetics of the garden, attracting pollinators
Ideal settings: Shaded gardens, borders, combining with other plants for a floral display
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
Here is yet another shade-loving perennial that is perfect for making dark corners of your garden look more lively!
The Timeless Series Heuchera varieties generally prefer partial shade to full shade conditions, making them suitable for shaded areas or areas with filtered sunlight. They generally thrive in well-draining and moist soil that is also rich in organic matter.
However, each cultivar may have slightly different requirements, so it’s essential to refer to specific care instructions for the one you choose.
Regardless of the cultivar you go for, all of them are gorgeous and can really improve the biodiversity of your garden, especially during the blooming season.
6. Thomas
Plant description: This plant exhibits bold, dark purple leaves that have a metallic glimmer. Lovely pink and white flowers on slender stems emerge in early summer.
Plant size: 2 feet tall (in flower)
Garden benefits: Adds depth and richness to the garden, attracts pollinators
Ideal settings: Container planting, shaded gardens, borders
Hardiness zone: USDA zone 7
Heuchera “Thomas” is a popular variety that is mainly grown for cut flower gardening. It’s dark foliage contrasts beautifully against the shimmery flowers, creating an eye-catching scene!
This Heuchera cultivar thrives in partial to full shade. As with other abovementioned varieties, this one also prefers growing in nutrient-rich soil that is well-draining. Keep an eye out for the leaf and bud eelworm and vine weevil.
7. Wildberry
Plant description: The wildberry variety produces captivating foliage in deep burgundy and purple colors. The leaves have ruffled textures and compact growth. Sturdy stems with small pink or white flowers appear in late spring and early summer.
Plant size: 14 inches tall
Garden benefits: Attracting pollinators, improving biodiversity
Ideal settings: Borders, containers, shaded gardens
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
The Wildberry variety is a hardy perennial plant that adds a touch of elegance to gardens. Their low-maintenance nature and adaptability, along with beautiful features, make them popular among beginner gardeners.
Like other varieties, Wildberry also thrives in shady areas. However, this variety can tolerate some full sun exposure as well. These plants prefer average moisture levels and soils that are rich in nutrients.
Besides their aesthetic purposes, these cultivars contribute to the overall biodiversity and health of the garden.
8. Lime Mermalade
Plant description: This plant produces bright lime-green leaves with a silvery glow on their surfaces. Lovely pale pink and white flowers appear in late spring or early summer, combining perfectly with vibrant foliage.
Plant size: 16 inches
Garden benefits: Ornamental purposes, attracting beneficial insects
Ideal settings: Group planting, ground cover, containers, borders
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
If you can’t grow limes in your garden, then you should definitely consider growing Heuchera “Lime Mermalade”. With its lime-green leaves and delicate flowers, it can truly make any garden look lively!
These evergreen plants have a relatively fast growth rate. They can grow in different light conditions, from full sun to full shade. However, the foliage color and flowers grow best when plants receive about 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Moderate watering and nutrient-rich soil will keep your plants happy and healthy!
9. Can-Can
Plant description: The Can-Can variety has deep purple leaves with shimmery surfaces and ruffled edges. Their compact growth and textured appearance add elegance to the garden. These leaves mix well with pink or white flowers that appear in late spring and early summer.
Plant size: 11 inches
Garden benefits: Beautiful display, attracting pollinators
Ideal settings: Window boxes, containers, shaded borders
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
Heuchera “Can-can” produces ruffled leaves that resemble a can-can dancing dress, hence the name of this cultivar. This variety can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can grow both in full sun and partial shade.
It can also tolerate different soil conditions although the plant thrives in moist and nutrient-rich soil that is kept evenly moist. More watering is required during dry spells.
10. Delta Dawn
Plant description: This variety produces peachy-orange leaves with green-yellow edges. White and pink flowers are produced in late spring and combine ideally with these warm-colored leaves.
Plant size: 14 inches
Garden benefits: Warm tones for the garden, flowers attract pollinators
Ideal settings: Path edging, container planting, shaded areas
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 8
If you want to add some warm tones to your garden, then Heuchera “Delta Dawn” is the perfect choice for you. Its unique leaves add a cheerful and vibrant touch to the garden.
The plant looks even more alluring during the blooming period, especially because these flowers add a soft contrast to the colorful leaves.
“Delta Dawn” is a low-maintenance plant. This variety will grow well in different lighting conditions as long as it is well-watered. Organic soil types are best for Heuchera varieties.
11. Green Spice
Plant description: Green Spice features ruffled green foliage with blood-red veins and a shimmery glow. In late spring and early summer, sturdy stems emerge, bearing small tiny white or pink flowers.
Plant size: 10 inches
Garden benefits: Aesthetics, contributing to biodiversity
Ideal settings: Window boxes, containers, woodland gardens
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
Heuchera “Green Spice” is a hardy plant that is ideal for beginner gardeners. Its variegated foliage with shades of green, bronze, and silver provides visual interest and blends well with other shade-loving plants.
It tolerates a wide range of light, along with different soil types. Still, the plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Regular watering is required – don’t let the soil dry out between waterings.
12. Midnight Rose
Plant description: This variety is known for its dark purple leaves with splashes of bright pink on their surfaces. Pink flowers combine perfectly with these purple leaves. They emerge in late spring or early summer.
Plant size: 20 inches
Garden benefits: Deer resistant, great for mass planting
Ideal settings: Ground cover, borders, mixed containers, woodland gardens
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
Even though it is called “Midnight rose”, we are still talking about a Heuchera variety!
This is definitely one of the most unique cultivars because of its variegations on the foliage that resemble paint splatters – these can definitely create a captivating and dramatic effect in any garden.
Heuchera “Midnight rose” thrives in both full sun and partial shade. It grows best in well-draining soil that is enriched with organic matter. Regular watering is required to maintain even moisture in the soil.
13. Rave On
Plant description: This plant exhibits electric, deep purple leaves with glossy textures. Small pink and white flowers soften the overall striking appearance of the plant. Blooming begins in late spring.
Plant size: 20 inches
Garden benefits: Improving biodiversity in the garden, creating a dramatic effect
Ideal settings: Borders, container planting
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 9
Let’s get the party started by planting Heuchera “Rave On” varieties in our gardens!
With their purple electric leaves, it will feel like you are at a rave party in your own garden all the time. Even though blooms soften the appearance of the plant a bit, the leaves don’t lose their edges.
Heuchera “Rave On” is a hardy plant that can be grown in full sun to full shade areas. They benefit from fertile soil that is kept evenly moist. It can tolerate clay or rocky soils.
Besides making your garden look edgy, these plants are also great for attracting beneficial insects and keeping deer and rabbits at bay.
14. Silver Scrolls
Plant description: Silver Scrolls produces striking silver-gray leaves with prominent burgundy veining. With their ruffled textures, these leaves mix well with white and pink flowers that appear during the blooming period.
Plant size: 14 inches
Garden benefits: Aesthetics, attracting pollinators
Ideal settings: Borders, containers
Hardiness zone: USDA 4 through 9
Heuchera “Silver Scrolls” is a drought tolerant plant that is perfect for gardeners who are just starting out. With its beautiful silvery leaves, this plant creates an elegant scene in the garden.
This Heuchera variety can also be grown in partial shade to full shade areas. Well-draining soil with nutrients make perfect growing conditions for this plant. As with other varieties, regular watering is required to keep the soil moist.
15. Citronelle
Plant description: Vibrant Heuchera variety known for its bright lime-green leaves with silvery undersides. Once the blooming period approaches, tiny white and pink flowers start appearing.
Plant size: 14 inches
Garden benefits: Colorful addition to the garden, deer and rabbit resistant
Ideal settings: Shaded borders, woodland gardens, containers
Hardiness zone: USDA zones 4 through 8
Heuchera “Citronelle” is usually grown as a focal point in the garden, although it can be mixed with other vibrant plants to create a colorful and lively garden.
It is a hardy Heuchera variety that can tolerate different light conditions and temperatures. Good drainage is crucial for keeping the plant happy and healthy. Adding nutrients to the soil can encourage new growth and development.