Heuchera Villosa - 'Black Forest Cake' - Saxifragaceae

Heuchera villosa ‘Black Forest Cake’ (Saxifragaceae) is a striking perennial that adds dramatic flair to any garden. With its rich, dark burgundy to near-black foliage, this Heuchera is reminiscent of its namesake dessert, creating a lush, velvety ground cover or container feature. Known for its bold, textured leaves and impressive heat and humidity tolerance, 'Black Forest Cake' thrives in a variety of conditions, making it perfect for adding depth and contrast to your landscape. Whether used in mixed borders or as a standout accent, this Heuchera is sure to captivate with its dark, sophisticated charm.

Botanical Name: Heuchera Villosa

Common Name: Coral Bells

Family: Saxifragaceae

Origin: Hybrid variety

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

Height: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches)

Spread: 30-45 cm (12-18 inches)

Frost: Moderate - Down to about -4 to -5°C maximum

Foliage:

• Colour: Deep, dark purple to nearly black leaves with a glossy finish
• Shape: Rounded with slightly scalloped edges
• Texture: Smooth, leathery

Flowers:

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Colour: Small, white to light pink flowers
• Inflorescence: Borne on slender, wiry stems above the foliage

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Partial shade to full shade (tolerates some morning sun)
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
• Water: Regular watering to maintain consistent moisture, but well-drained soil is crucial

Hardiness: Suitable for Australian Zones 7-9. Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake' prefers cooler climates and may not perform well in the hottest regions (zones 1-6). 

Tropical Zone (Zones 1-2)

• Climate: Warm winters and hot, humid summers. Highest temperatures average above 30°C.
• Regions: Northern coastline from Broome (west coast) through Darwin (north) to Cairns and Rockhampton (east coast).

Subtropical Zone (Zones 3-4)

• Climate: Mild winters and average highs under 30°C in summer.
• Regions: Stretches from Geraldton and Carnarvon (west coast) to Rockhampton (east coast), then southwards to Brisbane, through Coffs Harbour to Sydney.

Arid Zone (Zones 5-6)

• Climate: Hot, dry summers with warm winters in the north and temperatures dropping to an average minimum of -5°C further south.
• Regions: Extends from Western Australia to the Great Dividing Range, including Alice Springs (north), sections of Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, and part of Victoria.

Temperate Zone (Zones 7-8)

• Climate: Warm summers with low humidity in the north and mild winters with an average annual minimum low of 5°C.
• Regions: Includes coastal areas from Perth to Melbourne and south of Sydney, lower parts of New South Wales tablelands, and part of Queensland's interior.

Cool Zone (Zone 9)

• Climate: Warm summers transitioning to cold, frosty winters with some snow. Annual lowest temperature averages between -5°C and 0°C.
• Regions: Most of Tasmania, Canberra, and the ACT, high mountain and tableland areas in Southeast Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

Maintenance:

• Low maintenance
• Remove spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms
• Trim back old foliage in early spring before new growth starts

Uses:

• Ideal for borders, containers, ground cover, and shade gardens
• Adds dramatic foliage color to garden designs
• Attractive to bees and other pollinators

Supplied as: 50mm pots

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and slightly shallower than the pot height.
2. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, gently firming around the roots.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.
5. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Care Tips:

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
• Divide clumps every 3-4 years to rejuvenate and control spread.
• Monitor for common pests like aphids, snails, slugs, and caterpillars, and treat accordingly.

Photo(s) courtesy of TERRA NOVA® Nurseries, Inc.