Images Depict Mature Plants
Obsidian Heuchera
Heuchera x 'Obsidian' Plant Patent #14836
Obsidian Heuchera is one of the best dark foliage perennials for making everything around it look better. The near-black leaves give chartreuse, silver, gold, and variegated plants instant contrast, and the foliage stays handsome long after the creamy flowers finish. I like it in shaded containers, along border edges, or tucked near brunnera and hostas where the color really pops. It is also a smart choice where deer pressure makes hostas harder to use.
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Glossy Black Coral Bells for Bold Garden Contrast
Glossy Near-Black Foliage That Holds Its Color.
Obsidian Heuchera is a dramatic coral bells variety grown for its glossy dark purple to almost black foliage. The broad, rounded leaves have a polished, satin-like look that creates instant contrast in containers, shade borders, woodland gardens, and mixed perennial beds. Unlike some dark foliage plants that fade or bronze out quickly, Obsidian is valued for holding its deep color through the growing season.
Creamy-White Flowers Above Dark Leaves.
In late spring to early summer, Obsidian Heuchera produces airy sprays of small creamy-white flowers on slender stems above the foliage. The pale blooms create a beautiful contrast against the dark leaves, adding a soft, graceful texture to the plant. The flowers may also attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while keeping the main focus on the rich, black-purple foliage.
A Strong Contrast Plant for Containers and Borders.
Obsidian Heuchera is especially useful where dark foliage can make surrounding colors look brighter. Plant it near silver brunnera, chartreuse hostas, golden Japanese forest grass, green ferns, variegated carex, hellebores, astilbe, or lighter-colored heuchera varieties. It also works beautifully in patio containers, shaded entry planters, edging, rock gardens, woodland borders, and mass plantings where a bold foliage contrast is needed.
Easy to Grow in Part Shade with Consistent Moisture.
Obsidian Heuchera performs best in part shade and rich, humusy, well-drained soil. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates or where soil moisture stays consistent, but afternoon shade is helpful in hot regions. Avoid wet, poorly drained soil, which can lead to crown or root problems. Mulch lightly to keep the root zone cool, especially during summer heat and winter freeze-thaw cycles.
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, and Low Maintenance.
Obsidian Heuchera is a practical choice for landscapes where deer and rabbits are common, since it is generally avoided by both. Its evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage provides extended seasonal interest in mild climates, and the plant requires little pruning beyond removing tired leaves and spent flower stems. Divide mature clumps every few years if the crown becomes woody or the plant begins to thin in the center.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 8 to 10 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 12 to 16 Inches |
| Sunlight: | Part shade preferred; full sun tolerated with consistent moisture, especially in cooler climates |
| Soil | Rich, humusy, moist but well-drained soil; adaptable to average soils with good drainage |
| Water Requirements: | Average to moderate; water well until established and during dry spells |
| Bloom Time / Color | Late spring to early summer; creamy-white flowers |
| Foliage | Glossy dark purple to nearly black rounded leaves |
| Ornamental Features | Near-black foliage, glossy leaf texture, creamy-white flowers, strong contrast, winter interest in mild climates |
| Wildlife Value | Flowers may attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds |
| Resistance | Deer resistant, rabbit resistant, low maintenance, good powdery mildew resistance |
| Landscape Uses | Shade borders, woodland gardens, containers, edging, groundcover-style plantings, rock gardens, mass plantings, underplanting shrubs and roses |
How to Care for Obsidian Heuchera
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Heuchera Obsidian plant for years to come!
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How should I plant Obsidian Heuchera?
Plant Obsidian Heuchera in part shade where the soil is rich, humusy, and well drained. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates or in gardens where the soil stays consistently moist, but afternoon shade is best in hot regions. Avoid low, soggy areas because heuchera crowns can struggle in wet, poorly drained soil. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the container. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, and water thoroughly. Add a light mulch layer around the plant to conserve moisture and reduce winter heaving, keeping mulch slightly pulled back from the crown.
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How often should I water Obsidian Heuchera after planting?
Water Obsidian Heuchera deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist while the roots establish. During the first growing season, water when the top few inches of soil begin to dry. Consistent moisture helps the plant maintain strong foliage color and avoid stress. Once established, Obsidian Heuchera has moderate water needs and can handle short dry periods better than constantly wet soil. Plants in containers or sunnier locations may need more frequent watering. Always allow excess water to drain so the crown does not sit in soggy soil.
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When should I fertilize Obsidian Heuchera?
Fertilize Obsidian Heuchera in spring as new growth begins. A light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer, compost, or an organic perennial fertilizer is usually enough to support healthy foliage and flowers. Avoid heavy feeding, especially late in the season. Too much fertilizer can encourage soft growth, while good drainage, organic matter, and consistent moisture are more important for long-term performance.
When and how should I prune Obsidian Heuchera?
Remove spent flower stems after bloom if you prefer a tidy look or want to encourage a cleaner foliage display. Do not cut the entire plant back hard in fall, especially in colder climates, because the foliage can help protect the crown through winter. In spring, remove any tired, damaged, or winter-burned leaves as fresh growth begins. Divide mature clumps every 3 to 4 years if the crown becomes woody, the center thins, or the plant loses vigor.
