Purple Petticoats Coral Bells

Heuchera ‘Purple Petticoats’ is a clump-forming coral bells cultivar with deeply ruffled, dark purple foliage and paler purple undersides. Small cream to ivory flowers appear on wiry stems from late spring into early summer, while the foliage supplies much of the plant’s lasting color and texture. ## Garden Use Use this selection at the front of a border, along an edge, or in a container where its puckered leaves can be appreciated. It forms a compact mound; published selection profiles give a height range of about 12–25 inches and a spread near 18–24 inches, with variation among sources and growing conditions. The cultivar is listed for USDA zones 4–9. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade, with afternoon shade helpful during hot, humid summers. A fertile, moist but well-drained soil supports steady growth; avoid both waterlogging and prolonged drying. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/124808/heuchera-purple-petticoats/details), [Perennials.com selection page](https://www.perennials.com/plants/heuchera-purple-petticoats.html), and [Mt. Cuba Center trial](https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/heuchera/heuchera-purple-petticoats/) describe the exact cultivar. ## Maintenance Remove faded flower stems after bloom if desired. As the woody crown rises or the clump becomes leggy, lift and replant it with the crown at soil level; division every few years can renew older plants. Check the crown in spring after freeze-thaw weather.