A floral bouquet full of tiny flowers stand tall above the high gloss ebony foliage of Blackout coralbells (Heuchera x ‘Blackout’) (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8). The foliage holds its color and sheen most of the summer. The foliage is evergreen through the winter in zones 6 thru 8. Airy spikes of cream colored bell-like flowers open in mid-June. Many weeks later, the light tan colored seed heads continue to stand high above the dark foliage.

Blackout is part of the tough Heuchera villosa breeding lines. It is grows vigorously, 12-18 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide by its second year in a garden or a container. Blackout exhibits good summer heat tolerance under moderate sun or partial shade. Full direct morning sunlight seems to bolster the darken foliage. Direct afternoon sun may scorch foliage unless under daily irrigation.

Blackout should be planted in rich well-drained soil. It is moderately drought tolerant and mulching aids in soil moisture retention. For a neater appearance remove old floral heads. The dark evergreen foliage pales out during the winter offering only minimal ornamental interest. Remove all or most of the previous year’s foliage in late winter to over fresh.

In general, heucheras have no serious insect or disease problems and are deer and rabbit proof. They’re fertilized in the spring as new growth begins to emerge. Feed with slow-release fertilizer such as 14-14-14 Osmocote™, 13-13-13 Nutricote™, or equivalent.