12 Stunning Heuchera Varieties to Brighten Up Your Shaded Garden

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are colorful foliage plants that thrive in shady spots. They come in a wide range of leaf colors, from deep purple to lime green. These hardy perennials are low-maintenance and grow well in garden beds or containers. You can mix them with other shade-loving plants for extra texture and contrast. Keep reading to find great choices that can bring life to your shaded garden.

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Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’

This variety is known for its deep purple leaves that look almost black in shade. It grows well in partial shade and adds strong contrast to green foliage nearby. The leaves have a glossy finish and a lobed shape that stands out in garden beds. It reaches about 12 to 18 inches tall and spreads nicely over time.

‘Palace Purple’ prefers rich, well-drained soil and needs regular watering, especially during hot spells. It produces small white or pink flowers on tall stems in late spring. This plant works well along borders, in containers, or as a ground cover. It is one of the most widely grown Heucheras for good reason.

Heuchera ‘Caramel’

‘Caramel’ features warm tones of apricot, gold, and peach in its fuzzy leaves. The colors get deeper in cooler months, giving the plant seasonal interest. It grows in mounds around 12 inches tall and does well in light shade to full shade. The soft texture and color make it stand out against darker greens.

This variety prefers humus-rich soil that stays slightly moist. It sends up small white flowers in summer on slender stems. ‘Caramel’ is great for woodland gardens or softening edges of shaded patios. It brings a gentle, glowing effect to quiet corners.

Heuchera ‘Obsidian’

‘Obsidian’ has jet-black leaves that stay glossy and bold all season. This dramatic plant grows about 10 inches tall and forms a dense, low clump. The deep color does not fade in shade and adds depth to mixed beds. It contrasts nicely with silver or green-leaved companions.

It likes consistent moisture and performs best in part shade. Tiny cream-colored flowers bloom in late spring but are secondary to the striking foliage. ‘Obsidian’ is good for borders, containers, or as a background for brighter plants. Its clean shape and color give a neat and tidy look.

Heuchera ‘Peach Flambe’

This variety starts the season with bright peach and red tones and deepens to burgundy by fall. It grows well in part shade and holds color better with a bit of morning sun. The leaves are smooth and glossy with slightly curled edges. It reaches about 9 inches tall with flower spikes growing taller.

It blooms with white to pink flowers in spring, which attract pollinators. ‘Peach Flambe’ works well in mixed plantings for its changing color. The foliage adds interest from spring through fall. It pairs nicely with silver or purple plants.

Heuchera ‘Berry Smoothie’

‘Berry Smoothie’ is known for its vibrant pink foliage that matures to rose-purple. The large leaves create a bold splash in shaded areas and hold color through the summer. It grows in tidy mounds around 12 to 14 inches tall. Light pink flowers rise above the foliage on slender stems.

This Heuchera does well in part shade with evenly moist soil. The leaf color looks especially good beside green ferns or darker plants. It adds a playful and colorful touch to containers or borders. Try planting in groups for more impact.

Heuchera ‘Green Spice’

‘Green Spice’ has light green leaves with deep burgundy veins and a silver overlay. The leaves change slightly with the seasons, giving a fresh look throughout the year. It stays compact, growing around 10 inches tall with a spread of about 18 inches. Pale pink flowers bloom in early summer.

This plant prefers cool shade and moist soil. It is a good choice for edging shady borders or under trees. The contrast between leaf color and veining draws the eye without being too bold. Use it to add subtle interest in soft garden spaces.

Heuchera ‘Midnight Rose’

‘Midnight Rose’ has dark purple leaves with bright pink spots, giving it a speckled look. The leaf color changes slightly through the season, keeping the plant interesting. It grows to about 10 inches tall and spreads slowly in shady beds. White flowers bloom in early summer, though the foliage steals the show.

This Heuchera grows well in moist, rich soil with good drainage. It looks best with plants that have simple green leaves to let the spots shine. Great for small garden spaces or container plantings. The color combination feels bold without being too loud.

Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’

This variety features silvery leaves with dark veins that make it look frosted. The leaves are rounded and stay compact, forming a neat mound. It grows about 8 to 10 inches tall and has pinkish-white flowers on slender stems. The foliage keeps its color all season.

‘Silver Scrolls’ likes part shade and steady moisture. It adds a cool tone to shaded spots and works well in mixed plantings. The silver finish helps brighten darker corners. It pairs nicely with blue or green companion plants.

Heuchera ‘Hollywood’

‘Hollywood’ stands out with bright pink flowers and green foliage with a light sheen. The flowers bloom heavily on tall stalks and last for weeks. It grows about 12 inches tall and spreads to form a nice mound. The contrast between leaves and blooms is eye-catching.

This plant enjoys partial shade and moist soil. It is a good choice for borders or near seating areas where the flowers can be enjoyed. The blooms attract hummingbirds and add movement to the garden. It adds both color and life to quiet garden areas.

Heuchera ‘Frosted Violet’

‘Frosted Violet’ has purple leaves with a soft silver wash over the top. The foliage looks slightly ruffled, adding texture to shaded spots. It grows about 12 inches tall with taller flower stems in late spring. The leaves stay colorful from spring to fall.

This Heuchera grows well in cool shade and prefers consistent moisture. Use it to blend darker and lighter plants together. It also works well in containers or along woodland paths. The soft coloring gives it a calm, graceful look.

Heuchera ‘Sugar Plum’

‘Sugar Plum’ has frosty purple leaves that shine in shaded areas. The foliage lightens as it matures, offering soft color changes throughout the season. It forms a compact mound about 8 to 10 inches tall. Pink flowers bloom on tall, wiry stems in late spring.

It prefers rich soil with steady moisture and partial shade. The color blends well with green and silver-leaf plants. It adds a dreamy, light touch to quiet corners. This variety is also good for patio containers or garden edges.

Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’

‘Chocolate Ruffles’ features rich brown leaves with ruffled edges and deep purple undersides. It grows in mounds around 10 inches tall and spreads over time. The unique color stands out without needing much sun. Light flowers bloom in early summer, adding contrast.

This variety prefers part shade and well-drained, moist soil. It looks great near paths, rock gardens, or mixed in with green plants. The ruffled texture gives it a soft, layered look. It is a strong choice for adding depth to shaded areas.

Shade gardens do not have to look dull or plain. Heucheras offer a fresh way to add life and variety where the sun does not shine as much. Their colorful leaves and easy care make them a great choice for any gardener. Pick a few favorites and enjoy the difference they make.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.