How to Grow Coral Bells Palace Purple

Coral Bells Palace Purple

Heuchera 'Palace Purple'

flower

Coral Bells Palace Purple is a striking foliage plant prized for its deep purple to burgundy heart-shaped leaves that maintain their rich color year-round. It produces delicate coral-pink to red flowers on tall, thin stems in late spring to early summer. This compact perennial serves as an excellent ornamental accent in shaded garden beds and borders.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to shade (2-4 hours of dappled sunlight); full sun acceptable in cool climates with afternoon shade in hot regions

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly during growing season; reduce in winter. Drought-tolerant once established but performs better with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 30-60 days to establish; full mature size in 2-3 years

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; plant transplants at same depth as nursery pot (do not bury the crown)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Organic compost Perlite or sand for drainage Leaf mold

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 3-8, with best color in cooler climates; may lose some purple intensity in hot zones 9+

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny leaves emerge with faint purple tinting; compact rosette form developing

Keep soil moist; provide bright, indirect light; thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct-sown

Vegetative Growth

2-4 months

Leaves expand and deepen in purple color; plant develops into a mounding clump of foliage

Ensure consistent moisture and good drainage; remove any flower spikes to encourage leaf growth; apply balanced fertilizer monthly

Flowering

6-8 weeks (late spring to early summer)

Delicate coral-pink or red flowers appear on tall, wire-like stems rising above foliage; flowers are tiny and densely clustered

Continue regular watering; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; stake tall flower stems if needed

Seed Development

4-6 weeks

Flowers fade and form small seed pods; foliage begins to slow growth as plant conserves energy

Allow some flowers to remain for self-seeding if desired; otherwise deadhead; reduce watering slightly

Dormancy/Winter

3-4 months

Foliage may turn darker, more bronze-tinged; growth slows significantly; evergreen foliage persists

Reduce watering; no fertilizing needed; cut back dead flower stems; protect from excessive moisture and poorly draining soil

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Astilbe Hosta Hellebore Brunnera Epimedium Carex (sedge) Liriope Lamium (Dead Nettle) Ferns Heuchera (other varieties)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants like mint or ground ivy Plants requiring hot, dry conditions (sedums in hot climates) Dense root competitors like large tree roots Overly moisture-loving plants like astilboides

Common Pests

Remove adults by hand at night; apply neem oil or beneficial nematodes to soil; use sticky barriers around plants
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Hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps; encourage natural predators; apply copper tape barriers; avoid overwatering
Ensure good air circulation; reduce overhead watering; apply sulfur spray or baking soda solution; remove affected leaves
Remove affected foliage; improve drainage; avoid wetting leaves; apply fungicide if severe; space plants properly for air flow
Remove infested leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; encourage parasitic wasps

Uses

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Shade Garden Accent

Ornamental

The deep purple foliage serves as a striking color accent in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and containers, providing year-round visual interest even when not flowering. [source]

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Cut Flowers and Arrangements

Craft

Delicate coral-pink flower spikes add texture and airiness to fresh floral arrangements and are long-lasting when cut. The foliage also makes beautiful additions to mixed bouquets. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Small flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects while the dense foliage provides shelter for ground-dwelling creatures in gardens. [source]

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Container and Landscape Design

Household

Its compact mounding form and vibrant color make it ideal for borders, edging, rock gardens, woodland gardens, and decorative containers on patios and porches. [source]

Harvest Tips

Coral Bells Palace Purple is grown for ornamental foliage and flowers, not harvested for food. Cut flower stems for fresh arrangements when fully open. For propagation, collect seed in late summer and sow immediately. Divide established plants in spring or fall every 3-4 years to rejuvenate clumps and maintain vigor.

Fun Facts

🌱 Heuchera 'Palace Purple' was introduced in the 1980s and quickly became one of the most popular coral bells varieties due to its exceptionally deep purple foliage color that intensifies in cool temperatures.
🌱 The common name 'Coral Bells' comes from the coral-pink color of the flowers and their bell-like shape; the genus name Heuchera honors German botanist Johann Heinrich von Heucher.
🌱 Palace Purple foliage can shift to bronze or burgundy tones during winter or under stress, and color intensity improves with cooler temperatures and moderate light—making it a performer across multiple seasons.

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