Overview
Heuchera 'Obsidian' is a compact, mounding perennial in the genus Heuchera, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with evergreen, rounded, lobed foliage. Heuchera 'Obsidian' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and ground cover.
About
Heuchera 'Obsidian' (Obsidian Coral Bells) is a perennial cultivar of the Heuchera genus, known for its largely evergreen nature. It thrives in partial shade or shade and prefers well-drained, moist soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Suitable for borders, containers, and ground cover, this cultivar benefits from sheltered spots to avoid waterlogging. It is hardy in the UK (H5) and requires pruning of old flower stems and dead leaves in spring to promote fresh growth. Propagation can be done by division or cuttings.
About the genus
Heuchera is a genus of largely evergreen perennial plants in the family Saxifragaceae. All species are native to North America except for Heuchera sichotensis, native to the Russian Far East. Common names include alumroot and coral bells.
Wikipedia contributors, "Heuchera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heuchera
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Heuchera
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Heuchera 'Obsidian' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Compact, Mounding
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Rounded, Lobed
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Heuchera 'Obsidian'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered spots with partial shade and well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning
- Remove old flower stems and dead leaves in spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- division, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Heuchera 'Obsidian'?
Prefers sheltered spots with partial shade and well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Heuchera 'Obsidian'?
Heuchera 'Obsidian' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heuchera 'Obsidian' need?
Heuchera 'Obsidian' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Heuchera 'Obsidian'?
Remove old flower stems and dead leaves in spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Heuchera 'Obsidian' hardy in the UK?
Heuchera 'Obsidian' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Heuchera 'Obsidian'?
Division, cuttings.
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More in the Heuchera genus
- Heuchera 'Cappuccino'
- Heuchera amer. 'Dale's Strain'Coral Bells
- Heuchera americanaAmerican alum root
- Heuchera cylindricaroundleaf alum root
- Heuchera cylindrica 'Hyperion'alum root 'Hyperion'
- Heuchera micranthasmall-leaved alum root
- Heuchera sanguineacoral bells
- Heuchera sanguinea 'Bressingham Blaze'Coral Bells