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How to Grow Heuchera 'Micrantha Palace Purple'

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Heuchera 'Micrantha Palace Purple'

Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple'

flower

Palace Purple is a stunning coral bells cultivar prized for its deep purple to burgundy foliage that maintains vibrant color throughout the growing season. It produces delicate coral-pink flowers on tall spikes in late spring to early summer, adding vertical interest above the attractive mounding foliage. This semi-evergreen perennial is valued as much for its ornamental leaves as its flowers.

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Example Heuchera 'Micrantha Palace Purple' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Heuchera 'Micrantha Palace Purple'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Heuchera 'Micrantha Palace Purple' blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Heuchera 'Micrantha Palace Purple' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full sun; 3-6 hours of sun daily. More sun intensifies foliage color but requires consistent moisture; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates
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Water: Moderate moisture; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice weekly. Drought tolerant once established but performs best with regular watering. Reduce watering in winter
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: Flowers appear in year 2 of growth from transplant
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Planting depth: Plant crown level with soil surface; do not bury the crown. Space 12-15 inches apart

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, tolerates poor soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage Leaf mold

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-9, with best foliage color in cooler climates

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Spring planting)

4-6 weeks

Newly planted transplants with developing root system and small purple-tinged foliage

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mulch around base, keeping mulch away from crown. Protect from strong winds during first month

2

Vegetative Growth (Late Spring to Early Summer)

6-8 weeks

Foliage expands to full size, deepening in purple color. Plant develops a dense mounding form with multiple growth crowns

Maintain consistent moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage compact growth. Begin light fertilization with balanced formula

3

Flowering (Late Spring to Early Summer)

6-8 weeks

Tall, delicate spikes of coral-pink flowers emerge above the purple foliage, creating striking color contrast

Deadhead spent flower spikes to prevent self-seeding and to direct energy to foliage. Stake tall varieties if needed in windy locations

4

Mid-to-Late Summer

8-10 weeks

Flowering subsides; foliage remains vibrant. Plant consolidates energy and may slow growth in peak heat

Increase watering during heat waves. Provide afternoon shade in zones 8-9. Continue removing any remaining flower spikes

5

Fall to Winter Dormancy

12+ weeks

Foliage remains ornamental and semi-evergreen in milder zones. In colder zones, foliage may decline but plant persists

Reduce watering gradually. Do not cut back foliage; allow it to die back naturally. Apply light mulch in zone 4 before first hard freeze

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Brunnera Astilbe Fern Coral Bells (other Heuchera varieties) Helleborus Epimedium Liriope Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) Sedge (Carex)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive groundcovers Plants requiring dry conditions Black walnut (Juglans nigra)

Common Pests

  • Remove by hand, apply neem oil, use beneficial nematodes in soil, avoid overwatering which attracts them

  • Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation, apply insecticidal soap in early season before damage is extensive

  • and

    Remove by hand at dusk, use slug traps, apply copper tape or diatomaceous earth, maintain good drainage

  • Increase humidity by misting foliage, spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil if infestation persists

  • Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray if severe

Uses

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Landscape Color & Texture

Ornamental

Palace Purple provides year-round ornamental interest with deep purple foliage and delicate coral-pink flowers. The colorful leaves create striking contrast in shaded borders and containers, serving as a focal point or accent in garden design. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The coral-pink flower spikes attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators throughout the blooming season. It serves as a valuable nectar source in woodland and shade gardens. [source]

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Cut Flower & Floral Arrangements

Craft

Both the foliage and delicate flower spikes work beautifully in fresh floral arrangements and add texture to bouquets. The purple leaves provide an interesting backdrop for mixed arrangements. [source]

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Container Gardening

Household

Palace Purple thrives in containers and mixed plantings, making it ideal for patio displays, shade gardens, and ornamental pots. Its compact, mounding form works well in combination with other shade-loving perennials and foliage plants. [source]

Harvest Tips

Heuchera is ornamental and not harvested for food. Deadhead spent flower spikes by cutting at the base to promote bushier growth and prevent self-seeding. Foliage can be used in fresh arrangements; cut stems in the morning for best vase life. Divide plants every 3-4 years in spring to rejuvenate and maintain compact form

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Palace Purple was selected and introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries and has won numerous garden awards for its superior purple foliage color stability compared to older Heuchera cultivars
  • 🌱 The common name 'Coral Bells' refers to the bell-shaped flowers that hang delicately from tall spikes, creating an airy, ethereal effect that contrasts beautifully with the dense purple foliage
  • 🌱 Heuchera foliage often intensifies in color as temperatures cool in fall, displaying even deeper burgundy and purple tones in autumn and early spring

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Perennial Transplant
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