This showy garden plant produces black leaves with silver overtones and burgundy reverses, on a dense, low mound; very hardy, with great rust resistance and longevity; excellent for borders, mixed beds, woodland gardens, or as an accent.
Northern Exposure Black Coral Bells is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Northern Exposure Black Coral Bells features dainty spikes of white bell-shaped flowers rising above the foliage from mid spring to mid fall. Its attractive crinkled round leaves emerge burgundy in spring, turning black in colour with curious burgundy undersides and tinges of silver the rest of the year.
Northern Exposure Black Coral Bells will grow to be about 10 inches tall at maturity extending to 28 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 20 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evergreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.
Northern Exposure Black Coral Bells is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
