Plant Patent Applied For. Dramatic near-black foliage unfurls in spring from this new Heuchera villosa hybrid, the midnight-purple tones shading to charcoal-violet. As the season progresses, the leaves lighten slightly to pewter-purple, and the veins begin to stand out in a shade of darkest violet. No other plant in the border can top it for bold, hard-to-find dark shades!

The foliage is maple-leaf shaped on this plant, large and lobed. Forming a compact mound 10 inches high and about 14 inches wide, 'Pinot Noir' is a good size for containers as well as the garden. In midsummer it is topped by clusters of creamy bell-shaped blooms that arise on slim 18-inch stems. Very striking!

'Pinot Noir' comes to us from Thierry Delabroye, a perennial breeder extraordinaire. For another example of his stunning Heucheras, take a look at Pinot Gris.

H. villosa is a native species found from Virginia to Georgia. Compared to other Heucheras, it is larger and later to bloom, with rounded foliage reminiscent of maple leaves in shape and magnificent color changes. Evergreen and very well branched, these plants tolerate our hot, humid summers better than other Heuchera species, and fare well in dappled shade. Add a few to your shade border this season and discover the carefree pleasure of these adaptable, vigorous perennials. PPAF.