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Palace Purple Heuchera
Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple'
Palace Purple Heuchera is a classic dark foliage perennial that still earns its place in shade gardens. The purple-bronze leaves give beds and containers instant contrast, especially when planted near chartreuse hostas, silver brunnera, ferns, and lighter heucheras. I like it along shaded paths or in mixed containers where the foliage can define the planting. It is a smart choice where deer make hostas harder to use, and it brings dependable color without a lot of fuss.
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Classic Purple Coral Bells for Shade and Containers
The Original Purple Heuchera Favorite.
Palace Purple Heuchera is one of the most recognized and widely planted purple coral bells varieties. Its low, mounding habit and dark purple to purplish-bronze foliage make it a dependable choice for adding contrast to shaded beds, mixed borders, woodland gardens, rock gardens, and containers. It is a classic for a reason: it brings strong color without needing large flowers to make an impact.
Shiny Purple-Bronze Foliage with Seasonal Depth.
The foliage ranges from deep purple and bronze-purple to dark olive-green with purplish tones, depending on light and season. The leaves are large, shiny, and scalloped, giving the plant a textured look that pairs beautifully with chartreuse, silver, green, blue, and variegated companion plants. Use Palace Purple near gold hostas, silver brunnera, green ferns, chartreuse heuchera, and soft-textured shade perennials for strong contrast.
Creamy Flowers That Butterflies Enjoy.
In late spring and summer, Palace Purple Heuchera produces slender flower scapes topped with tiny cream-colored flowers. The flowers rise above the foliage and add a soft, airy layer to the plant’s main foliage display. Butterflies and other pollinators may visit the blooms, making this classic coral bells useful for both ornamental color and seasonal garden activity.
Excellent for Edging, Containers, and Mass Plantings.
Palace Purple Heuchera works beautifully along shaded walkways, in front-of-border plantings, rock garden pockets, woodland edges, patio containers, and mixed perennial beds. Its compact mound makes it easy to tuck between larger shade plants, while its dark foliage helps define edges and create depth. Plant several together for a stronger ribbon of purple foliage or use it as a contrast plant among brighter perennials.
Low Maintenance, Deer- and Rabbit-Resistant.
Palace Purple Heuchera is an easy-care perennial when planted in well-drained soil and protected from harsh afternoon sun. It is generally considered deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant, making it a practical alternative to more heavily browsed shade plants. Keep the crown from sitting in soggy soil, remove tattered foliage in spring, and divide older clumps if the plant begins to thin in the center.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 12 to 24 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 12 to 18 Inches |
| Sunlight | Full shade to part shade; protect from hot afternoon sun |
| Soil | Average to fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil |
| Water | Medium; keep evenly moist while establishing and during dry spells |
| Bloom Time / Color | Late spring into summer; tiny cream-colored flowers |
| Foliage | Shiny deep purple, purplish-bronze, or olive-bronze scalloped leaves |
| Ornamental Features | Purple-bronze foliage, creamy flowers, compact mound, edging value, 1991 Perennial Plant of the Year |
| Wildlife Value | Flowers may attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators |
| Resistance | Deer resistant, rabbit resistant, low maintenance |
| Landscape Uses | Shade borders, woodland gardens, containers, edging, rock gardens, mass plantings, groundcover-style plantings, underplanting shrubs and trees |
How to Care for Palace Purple Heuchera
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Palace Purple Heuchera plant for years to come!
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How should I plant Palace Purple Heuchera?
Plant Palace Purple Heuchera in full shade to part shade where the soil is well drained and improved with organic matter. Morning sun or filtered light can be tolerated, but hot afternoon sun may stress the foliage, especially in warmer climates. Avoid low, soggy areas because heuchera crowns can struggle in wet 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 Palace Purple Heuchera after planting?
Water Palace Purple 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 steady growth. Once established, Palace Purple Heuchera has medium water needs and can handle short dry periods better than constantly wet soil. Plants in containers or brighter light 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 Palace Purple Heuchera?
Fertilize Palace Purple 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 flower production. Avoid heavy feeding, especially late in the season. Too much fertilizer can encourage soft growth, while good drainage, organic matter, and steady moisture are more important for long-term heuchera performance.
When and how should I prune Palace Purple Heuchera?
Remove spent flower stems after bloom if you prefer a tidy look or want the plant to focus energy on foliage. Trim away any damaged or tired leaves as needed during the growing season. In spring, remove winter-burned or tattered foliage as fresh growth begins. Avoid cutting the entire plant back hard in fall, especially in colder climates, because the foliage can help protect the crown through winter. Divide mature clumps every few years if the center thins, the crown becomes woody, or the plant loses vigor.
