Heuchera Dressed Up® 'Evening Gown' Coral Bells

Mississippi State University Ornamental Trial Top Performer 2021

Heuchera 'Evening Gown', part of the esteemed Proven Winners® Dressed Up® Series, is an evergreen perennial that offers year-round interest with its vibrant foliage and midsummer blooms. Its 6-inch purplish black leaves are adorned with ruffled edges that add a touch of elegance. Sprays of pink buds and delicate white blooms are poised above the foliage on slender stems. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

As a Heuchera x hybrida variety, also known as heuchera, coral bells, or alumroot, 'Evening Gown' forms a large, low, mounding rosette of leaves. This versatile plant is perfect for containers but is especially nice massed or grouped in mixed beds and borders or as edging along paths and walkways. It pairs well with ferns, bergenia, epimedium, hakonechloa, pulmonaria, and hosta.

Heuchera is a cold hardy, easy-to-grow plant that thrives in sunny to shady locations with slightly alkaline, well-draining soil, but best color occurs with some shade. It's drought tolerant once established, but prefers consistent moisture, especially in hot climates. Minimal maintenance is required, but mulching in late fall and removing dead leaves in spring can promote healthier growth. And it's important that the crown of the plant not be buried when planting. 'Evening Gown' is also salt tolerant, making it a resilient addition to coastal gardens.

A native plant, heuchera is indigenous to North America. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.