Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Wildberry Coral Bells: Glossy, Saturated Purple to Echo Lavender
Save
Wildberry coral bells has some of the most intense purple foliage in its group. The large, scalloped leaves are very glossy, saturated purple marked with charcoal veins, and they hold that bold color through much of the season. In midsummer, dark stems 26 to 28 inches tall carry narrow spikes of tiny white flowers in rosy pink cups, high above the mound.
It has been a top performer in university trials and was named a national Perennial Plant of the Year in 2023.
Wildberry at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Heuchera 'Wildberry' |
| Foliage | Large, scalloped, glossy saturated purple with charcoal veins |
| Flowers | Tiny white flowers in rosy pink cups on 26- to 28-inch stems |
| Size | 10 to 14 inches tall, 16 to 20 inches wide |
| Bloom | Late June to mid-July, about five weeks |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to full shade; afternoon shade is best |
| Deer | Moderately resistant |
Lavender color, all season long
Lavender flowers for a few weeks. Wildberry's purple leaves last for months. Plant it in front of lavender and the purple theme carries from spring until frost, with the lavender's bloom as the high point. The glossy leaves also reflect light, a lively contrast to lavender's soft, matte silver foliage.
One condition: give it some afternoon shade and a little more water than the lavender. In full sun it needs steady moisture or the leaves scorch. The best setup is the east side of a lavender planting, or a spot where a fence or small tree shades the front of the bed after lunch, so you can water the coral bells at the base without soaking the lavender behind. Sketch it in the Companion Plant Planner.
Easy on the soil
Unlike many coral bells, Wildberry tolerates poor to average soil, as long as it drains well. That makes it a better match for lean lavender ground than richer-soil perennials. Wet, heavy soil is the real enemy, because it causes crown rot.
Care notes
- Water: during dry spells, in the morning and at the base, not overhead late in the day.
- After bloom: cut flower stems at the base when they finish.
- Winter: leave foliage over winter. Freeze-thaw cycles can heave the shallow crowns, so mulch after the ground freezes and press heaved plants back in spring.
- Spring: remove old, tattered leaves.
Rust, powdery mildew and leaf spots occasionally appear; good air circulation helps.
Formats offered
Wildberry is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray and as a deep 20-cell plug tray. The 72-cell tray suits growers and edging projects; the 20-cell tray offers fewer, larger plugs. See each product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
How is Wildberry different from Wild Rose?
Wildberry has deeper, glossier, saturated purple leaves and white flowers in pink cups. Wild Rose has brighter rosy purple leaves and rosy pink flowers.
Is it good in containers?
Yes. Its low mound and lasting color work well in pots, as an edging or massed.
Share how it went in your field