Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Evening Gown Coral Bells: Glossy Black Ruffles for Part Shade
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Evening Gown coral bells is all about the leaves. They are oversized, up to 6 inches across, glossy and nearly black, with deep ruffles along every edge that catch the light. The mound grows 12 to 14 inches tall and up to 2 feet wide, and in midsummer sturdy stems carry pink buds that open to small white bells.
It can grow in sun or shade, but its color and vigor are best in part shade, so it is not a plant for the hot, dry lavender row. Think of it as the dark, glossy counterpoint on the shadier side of a lavender garden.
Evening Gown at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Heuchera 'Evening Gown' |
| Foliage | Glossy near-black, deeply ruffled, up to 6 inches across |
| Flowers | White bells opening from pink buds on 18 to 20 inch stems |
| Bloom | Starts late June, peaks mid-July |
| Size | 12 to 14 inches tall, 20 to 24 inches wide |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to full shade; best in part shade |
| Deer | Moderately resistant |
Where it belongs in a lavender garden
Lavender needs full sun and lean, dry soil. Evening Gown prefers a bit of shade and regular water during dry spells, so the two are best as neighbors in a garden plan rather than in the same bed. Use it where a sunny lavender border transitions into the shade of a tree or building, or in a shaded bed near the house.
There, its black ruffles are a striking backdrop for chartreuse hostas, ferns and silver-leaved shade plants. Its dark color also echoes the deep purple of lavender buds, which helps a shade bed feel connected to the lavender out in the sun. Map the light in your yard with the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Soil: poor to average is fine as long as it drains. Wet, heavy soil invites crown rot, the main problem for coral bells.
- Planting depth: set the crown at soil level, not buried.
- Water: keep watered during dry spells, and water early in the day rather than in the evening.
- Heat: dark leaves take more sun than light-leaved types, but afternoon shade helps in hot spells.
- Winter: evergreen to semi-evergreen in Michigan. Frost heaving is common in heavy soil, so mulch after the ground freezes and press any heaved plants back in spring.
It has performed well in university trials, including in Michigan, which is a good sign for Great Lakes gardens.
Containers and fall color
A single Evening Gown can hold a container by itself, thanks to those big leaves. It also breaks up fine-leaved plants in a border. In fall, the foliage turns a purplish bronze, so the show continues after the flowers are done.
Choosing a tray size
Evening Gown is offered as a 72-cell plug tray and a 20-cell plug tray. The 72-cell tray suits growers potting up large numbers, while the 20-cell tray holds larger, deeper plugs for a smaller planting. See each product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can Evening Gown take full sun?
It can grow in sun, but it colors and performs best in part shade. In hot, sunny spots give it afternoon shade and steady moisture.
Why are my coral bells lifting out of the ground?
That is frost heaving, common in heavy or wet soil. Mulch after the ground freezes and firm the crowns back in each spring.
Do the flowers attract pollinators?
Yes. The small white bells in midsummer are good for pollinators.
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