Coral bells revel in dark tones for shade
As gardeners, we’re always looking to add interest to shady areas. A popular choice is to plant flowers that bloom in shade or in bright, indirect light. But another way to achieve interest is through foliage.
Many people seek to lighten a shady area with golds and bright greens, but dark foliage can be equally engaging. And nowhere are there more options to do so than with heuchera (HEW-ker-ah), also known as Coral Bells. Heucheras are now available in a dizzying array of colors, and this palette includes such evocative and descriptive varieties as Plum Pudding, Fire Alarm and Obsidian. These dark colors include chocolates, a variety of purples, bright or darker reds and near black. Given that the majority of plants in general feature green leaves of some hue, the dark tones of these heucheras serve as a dramatic foil. Whether planted in the ground (singly or in drifts) or in a container, these charismatic bells are sure to make their presence known.
Heucheras are mostly evergreen perennials that are frequently planted in part shade or filtered light. But here’s a little secret: The darker-leaved varieties can be happy in quite a bit of sun as well. Although they won’t like midday heat in hotter climates, these varieties can be happy in some degree of direct sun (unlike the lighter colors, which will burn). This expanded view might let you use them in far more places.
The low height of dark Coral Bells, usually not higher than a foot, allows them to be used in front of, or around, larger shrubs such as hydrangeas, azaleas, pieris and philadelphus. They can also be used for color in a mixed perennial bed.
Heucheras combine effectively with grasses in a decorative container, being a broad-leaved companion to upright and spiky grasses or phormiums. The range of color options gives the artist in you great range for eye-catching combinations.
For chocolate tones, consider using Chocolate Ruffles or Creole Nights. There are a wealth of purple palette selections, such as Amethyst Mist, Plum Pudding or Palace Purple. If you want to go over to the dark side, there’s Obsidian, Blackout or Black Beauty. Or if red’s your thing, there’s the aptly named Fire Alarm, Cajun Fire or Berry Marmalade. Earl Nickel is an Oakland nurseryman and freelance writer. Email: home@sfchronicle.com