Images Depict Mature Plants
Plum Pudding Heuchera
Heuchera x 'Plum Pudding'
Plum Pudding Heuchera is a dependable way to bring rich color into shade without relying on flowers alone. The plum-purple foliage has enough silvering and veining to stand out against hostas, ferns, hellebores, and golden foliage plants, and the compact habit makes it easy to repeat along borders or tuck into containers. I also like it for deer-prone landscapes because it offers bold foliage color with less browsing pressure than many soft-leaved shade perennials.
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Rich Plum-Purple Foliage for Shade Gardens and Containers
Deep Purple Leaves with Silver-Marbling and Garden Drama.
Plum Pudding Heuchera is a colorful coral bells perennial grown for its shimmering plum-purple foliage, silver highlights, and dark veining. The rounded, lobed leaves form a tidy mound that adds instant contrast to shaded beds and mixed plantings. Its foliage is the main attraction, giving homeowners long-lasting color before, during, and after the flowering season. Use it to brighten dark corners, soften foundation beds, or add a polished, layered look to shade gardens.
Compact Mounding Growth for Borders, Edges, and Small Spaces.
This compact Heuchera forms a low, clumping mound that fits beautifully along walkways, at the front of perennial borders, and beneath small trees and shrubs. The foliage stays dense and attractive without becoming overpowering, making it a useful choice for small gardens, courtyard plantings, and container combinations. Its tidy habit also makes it easy to repeat in groups for a more intentional, designer-style planting.
Soft White Flowers That Support Pollinators.
In late spring to early summer, Plum Pudding Heuchera sends up slender flower stems topped with tiny white, bell-shaped blooms. While the flowers are delicate and airy, they provide useful seasonal interest and attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The bloom stems rise above the purple foliage, creating a graceful contrast that works well in woodland gardens and mixed perennial beds.
A Versatile Shade Perennial with Deer-Resistant Foliage.
Plum Pudding Heuchera performs best in part shade, bright shade, or morning sun with afternoon protection, especially in warmer regions. It prefers enriched, well-drained soil and regular moisture during establishment. Once established, it becomes easier to maintain and can tolerate brief dry periods, though consistent moisture helps preserve the richest foliage color. Its deer-resistant foliage makes it especially useful in landscapes where browsing pressure can limit plant choices.
Semi-Evergreen Color with Simple Seasonal Maintenance.
Depending on the climate, Plum Pudding Heuchera may behave as evergreen, semi-evergreen, or herbaceous. In mild-winter areas, the foliage can hold color for much of the year, while in colder regions, older leaves may decline before fresh spring growth appears. Avoid burying the crown when planting, and remove tired or damaged foliage in early spring to refresh the mound. In areas with freeze-thaw cycles, a light mulch around the root zone helps reduce frost heaving while keeping the crown uncovered.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 8 to 12 inches tall; flower stems can reach 24 to 26 inches tall |
| Mature Width: | 12 to 18 Inches |
| Sunlight: | Part shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun or more sun in cooler climates |
| Soil | Enriched, humusy, well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and avoid soggy soil |
| Bloom Time / Color | Late spring to early summer; white to creamy-white bell-shaped flowers |
| Foliage | Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild climates; Plum-purple leaves with silver marbling, dark veining, and a glossy finish |
| Ornamental Features | Colorful purple foliage, compact mound, airy white flowers, strong contrast in shade |
| Wildlife Value | Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds |
| Resistance | Deer resistant; generally rabbit resistant; moderately drought tolerant once established |
| Landscape Uses | Shade borders, woodland gardens, containers, edging, mass plantings, ground cover, rock gardens, mixed perennial beds |
How to Care for Plum Pudding Heuchera
Before you buy a Heuchera Plum Pudding make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How should I plant Plum Pudding Heuchera?
Plant Plum Pudding Heuchera in part shade, bright shade, or a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. Choose enriched, well-drained soil and avoid low, soggy spots where water collects around the crown. Loosen the soil before planting and mix in compost to improve drainage, moisture balance, and root development. Set the plant so the crown sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil surface. Backfill gently, water thoroughly, and add a light layer of mulch around the root zone while keeping mulch away from the crown. Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart for edging, mass plantings, or mixed shade borders.
How often should I water Plum Pudding Heuchera after planting?
Water Plum Pudding Heuchera deeply after planting, then keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. This helps the roots establish and supports the best foliage color. In garden beds, water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. In containers, check moisture more often because pots dry out faster than in-ground plantings. Once established, Plum Pudding Heuchera is moderately drought tolerant, but it still performs best with consistent moisture during hot or dry weather. Avoid overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in saturated soil, especially in winter. Good drainage is one of the most important keys to long-term Heuchera success.
When should I fertilize Plum Pudding Heuchera?
Fertilize Plum Pudding Heuchera in early spring as new growth begins. A light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer or a topdressing of compost is usually enough to support healthy foliage, strong roots, and seasonal flowering. Heuchera does not need heavy feeding to look its best. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, because excessive feeding can encourage soft growth and reduce the plant’s tidy habit. For container-grown Plum Pudding Heuchera, use a gentle slow-release fertilizer in spring and refresh the potting mix as needed to maintain good drainage and steady nutrition.
When and how should I prune Plum Pudding Heuchera?
Prune Plum Pudding Heuchera in early spring by removing winter-damaged, tired, or discolored foliage before fresh new leaves fill in. Use clean pruners or garden scissors and cut old leaves close to the base without damaging the crown. This simple cleanup keeps the plant looking fresh and encourages a full, colorful mound. After flowering, spent bloom stalks can be cut back to the base to tidy the plant and redirect energy into foliage. Throughout the season, remove any damaged leaves as needed. In colder regions, leave healthy foliage in place through winter for added crown protection, then clean up in spring.
