Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Heuchera ‘Obsidian’
Obsidian Coral Bells
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 inches
- Width
- 8 to 12 inches
- Flower color
- Delicate flowers on airy spikes range from cream to light pink
- Foliage color
- Glossy, dark purple to almost black
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Partial sun to full shade
- Water
- Regular
- Maintenance
- Low
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Hummingbirds
About this plant
Heuchera 'Obsidian' produces airy sprays of small, creamy white flowers in late spring to early summer, held on slender stems above the foliage and attracting bees and other pollinators. Large, rounded leaves emerge with an intense, glossy black-purple color that remains rich throughout the growing season without fading. Gently ruffled edges and pronounced veining add texture, while the dense evergreen mound provides bold contrast to surrounding plants and maintains its handsome appearance well beyond the flowering period.
Developed through modern hybrid breeding based on species native to North America, this cultivar was selected for its exceptionally dark foliage and dependable garden performance. It is well suited to woodland gardens, shaded borders, containers, and mixed perennial plantings, where its dramatic leaf color provides year-round texture and lasting seasonal interest.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Borders · Containers · Under Trees
Companion plants
Carex · Sweet woodruff · Cyclamen · Creeping jenny · Hellebores · Autumn ferns
Design tip
Use broad drifts of this dark foliage to anchor shaded borders and highlight lighter neighboring plants. Balance the bold leaf color with airy flowers, graceful textures, and evergreen structure to create layered plantings that remain visually rich and inviting throughout the growing season.
