Heuchera 'Obsidian'
Overview
Uses: Containers, shaded borders, woodland gardens, and modern landscape accents.
Benefits: Striking, glossy black foliage holds its deep color all season without fading. Compact habit, evergreen appeal in mild climates, and reliable performance in sun or shade make this variety one of the most dramatic coral bells available.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 – 9
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Height: ~10 – 12"
Mature Width: ~14 – 18"
Bloom Season: Late Spring – Summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Deep, rich, and refined — Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ is the designer’s choice for bold contrast in shaded gardens. Its glossy, near-black leaves add instant drama to mixed plantings, while maintaining an elegant, uniform mound that looks polished year-round.
Unlike many dark coral bells, ‘Obsidian’ resists fading even in bright light and retains a strong, consistent color from spring through fall. Small cream-colored flowers appear in early summer, softening the intense foliage and inviting pollinators to visit. Perfect for modern landscapes, formal borders, and containers where texture and color contrast matter most.
Care
‘Obsidian’ Coral Bells Care
Plant in rich, well-draining soil. Water deeply during establishment, keeping soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Once mature, ‘Obsidian’ handles short dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture during the heat of summer.
It tolerates full sun in cooler northern regions but prefers partial shade in warmer climates to prevent leaf stress. Remove older or weathered foliage in early spring to allow new leaves to emerge cleanly. Deadhead spent flower stems to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage fresh growth.
Feed in spring with a slow release fertilizer to promote healthy foliage and color retention throughout the growing season.
Size
Size of ‘Obsidian’ for Sale Online
Our plants ship in greenhouse-grade grow pots and are appropriately sized for their containers. For current pot sizes and availability, please contact us.
Size of ‘Obsidian’ When Mature
Expect approximately 10 – 12 inches tall and 14 – 18 inches wide at maturity under average garden conditions. Growth rate is moderate, with plants forming dense, symmetrical mounds within their first few seasons.
Additional Information
Is ‘Obsidian’ evergreen?
In mild regions, the foliage often remains evergreen through winter. In colder climates, it may die back before returning vigorously in spring.
Does it attract pollinators?
Yes — its delicate cream flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies during bloom season.
Is it deer resistant?
Heucheras are naturally deer-resistant and low maintenance, making them excellent choices for low-input or naturalized gardens.
Can ‘Obsidian’ grow in full shade?
It tolerates full shade but shows its richest color with at least a few hours of filtered or morning sun. Deep shade may reduce sheen and density slightly.
How does ‘Obsidian’ compare to other Heucheras?
‘Obsidian’ stands out for its deep, glossy black foliage that maintains color even in bright light. While varieties like ‘Fire Chief’, ‘Forever Purple’, and ‘Caramel’ bring brighter tones of red, magenta, and amber, ‘Obsidian’ provides contrast and structure. Its dense, symmetrical habit makes it ideal for grounding lighter-leaved varieties in mixed shade gardens.
Can I mix multiple Heuchera varieties together?
Absolutely. Mixing contrasting Heuchera colors—such as pairing dark ‘Obsidian’ with chartreuse ‘Lime Marmalade’ or ruby-red ‘Fire Chief’—creates striking year-round displays. Varying heights and tones add depth and movement to borders, containers, and woodland plantings.
