Purple Palace Coral Bells Heuchera 'Palace Purple' Play pronunciation

Heuchera 'Palace Purple' is one of the first alumroot selections from a naturally purple-leafed native species and was chosen as the 1991 Perennial Plant of the Year. It is a member of the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae), but its species identity is debated. It may be a selection of hairy alumroot (H. villosa) or of H. micrantha. This is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial, growing 8 to 12 inches tall and up to 16 inches wide. It is grown for its beautiful foliage, which may range in color from olive green to bronze-green to deep purple, while the underside of the leaf is a dark wine-red. The tiny white or pale pink bell-shaped flowers are less significant but are a dramatic contrast against the darker leaves.

'Palace Purple' should be planted with the crown at or above the soil surface in organically rich soil, in the sun or partial shade. It is intolerant of clay soils. In hot summer areas, a part-shade location will help to prevent the leaf color from fading. Planting in full sun will require extra care in watering, as the soil should not be allowed to dry out. Clumps can be divided in the spring every 3 or 4 years. Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

'Palace Purple' originated in England; however, the seed lot was imported from a botanical garden in the United States. This plant was grown on the grounds of the Queen's Palace at Kew Gardens, resulting in the cultivar name, 'Palace Purple.'

Use in borders or groups of woodland, winter, and shade gardens. It makes an excellent plant for containers, including mixed containers, playing the role of “filler." It makes a beautiful groundcover. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect pests or diseases. Do not overwater plants, as this can lead to fungal problems. 

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