Heuchera

foliage steals the show

You might think it would be tough for the Heuchera (otherwise known as Coral Bells) to compete with flashier perennials. But here’s why they hold their own, thank you very much–their foliage is ruffled, scalloped, star-shaped and deeply lobed and comes in rich purple-burgundies, rosy blush, butterscotch, bronze, lime to mint greens, frosty silvers and everything in between. We love how they’re compact, self-mounding growers and they play well with others in the landscape and container, adding reliable depth and understated elegance in borders, beds, rock gardens, woodland gardens and as ground cover. Many varieties dazzle with whimsical panicles of tiny flowers.

Yours will do best in morning sun and afternoon shade. As a rule, the darker the foliage, the more afternoon sun it can handle.