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perennial

Dark Secret Coral Bells

Heuchera 'Dark Secret'

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Dark Secret Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Dark Secret') at All Seasons Nursery

Dark Secret Coral Bells

Dark Secret Coral Bells

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Dark Secret Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Dark Secret') at All Seasons Nursery

Dark Secret Coral Bells foliage

Dark Secret Coral Bells foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  20 inches

Spacing:  14 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Other Names:  Coralbells, Alumroot

Description:

The heavily ruffled leaves on this variety emerge deep burgundy, then turn a deep purple-bronze with a silver sheen ; dainty cream bells in early summer; amazing color addition with great versatility; keep soil moist in heat of summer

Ornamental Features

Dark Secret Coral Bells features dainty spikes of creamy white bell-shaped flowers rising above the foliage from early to mid summer. Its attractive crinkled lobed leaves emerge burgundy in spring, turning deep purple in color with curious coppery-bronze undersides and tinges of silver the rest of the year.

Landscape Attributes

Dark Secret Coral Bells is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dark Secret Coral Bells is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Dark Secret Coral Bells will grow to be about 16 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 14 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in a location that gets morning sunlight but is shaded from the hot afternoon sun, although it will also grow in full shade. Keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Dark Secret Coral Bells is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Edging  Garden  Groundcover  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Texture  Plant Form  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features

Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.


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