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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Heuchera ‘Obsidian’

Obsidian Coral Bells

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.

Light

Partial sun to full shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)