Coral Bells Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam'
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam' is popularly known for its striking foliage which exudes a rich, deep color reminiscent of ripe blackberries. The leaves are large, with a rounded, slightly heart-shaped form that exhibits a bold, dark purple hue. This dramatic coloration may have a metallic or shimmering quality to it, especially when sunlight catches the surface, adding to its ornamental appeal. The leaf texture is smooth with a subtle ruffling of the edges, which creates an attractive pattern that contrasts beautifully against lighter-colored plants in a garden setting. Although this plant produces flowers, it is the vivid, almost velvety appearance of the leaves that make Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam' a standout among garden foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam'
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells are not typically considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the coral bells plant, including the variety 'Blackberry Jam', does not generally lead to poisoning or severe adverse health effects. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential individual allergies or stomach upset.
To pets
Coral Bells, including the 'Blackberry Jam' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to pets. They are not known to cause serious harm if pets consume parts of the plant. However, it's always a good practice to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid the possibility of gastrointestinal discomfort or an unexpected allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam' offers stunning foliage with rich, dark purple to almost black leaves that add dramatic contrast to the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Throughout the seasons, this variety's leaves may change in intensity, providing visual interest in the garden year-round.
- Low Maintenance: As with many Heuchera varieties, 'Blackberry Jam' is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam' has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The delicate flowers of Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam' attract butterflies and bees, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety can thrive in a range of light conditions but is particularly well-suited for shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Versatility: Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam' works well in mixed borders, woodland gardens, and container groupings, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, this plant returns year after year, making it a lasting addition to the landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The striking foliage of Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam' can be used as a backdrop or accent in plant photography, adding contrast and interest to the images.
- Pressed Flower Art: Its distinct purple leaves can be pressed and used in creating beautiful floral art and crafts such as bookmarks, cards, or framed botanical art.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture and botany educators may utilize Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam' to teach students about plant texture, color variation, and hybridization techniques.
- Landscape Design Instruction: This plant is perfect for demonstrating the use of foliage color in designing aesthetically pleasing and cohesive garden spaces.
- Culinary Presentation: Chefs can use the colorful leaves as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal of their dishes, although the leaves are not intended for consumption.
- Theme Gardens: Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam' can be featured in gothic or "black" themed gardens due to its dark-hued foliage, offering a moody ambiance.
- Fashion Inspiration: Designers might draw inspiration from the plant's color and texture for fabric patterns or accessory designs that mimic the natural aesthetic.
- Crafting Natural Dyes: The leaves, while not traditionally used for dyeing, could potentially be experimented with to create natural dyes for fabrics, though the results can vary.
- Seasonal Container Arrangements: Its foliage makes a striking contrast in autumn and Halloween-themed container arrangements, adding depth to the display.
- Bonsai Companions: The small and vibrant leaves can complement a bonsai display, creating a rich color story and added visual interest at miniature scale exhibitions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coral Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coral Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Change and Transformation: The Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam', often known as Coral Bells, presents a variety of colors throughout the seasons, symbolizing the capacity for change and transformation in life.
- Longevity: As a perennial plant, Coral Bells signifies long life and enduring nature, reminding us of our ability to withstand the test of time.
- Diversity and Uniqueness: The various hues of Coral Bells reflect the beauty of diversity and encourage the celebration of each individual's unique traits.
- Attracting Positive Energy: With its bell-shaped flowers, it's believed that Coral Bells can attract good spirits and positive energy to a garden, symbolizing the invitation of joy into one's life.
WaterCoral Bells require consistent moisture, but they do not like to be water-logged. Water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Generally, this means watering about once a week, but this could vary based on climate and weather conditions. It is best to use around a gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to reach the roots. Always avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases and provide water directly to the soil around the plant.
LightCoral Bells thrive in conditions with partial shade to full shade. An ideal spot would be one that receives morning sunlight but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. These plants can also adapt to full sunlight in cooler climates, but in hotter regions, they truly benefit from being placed in an area with filtered light or shade.
TemperatureCoral Bells prefer temperatures between 60°F and 70°F, and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 80°F. They are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, making them versatile in a range of climates. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside their comfort zone can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPruning Coral Bells is primarily done to remove any tattered or dead foliage and to promote a tidy appearance. Pruning is best done in early spring, before new growth starts. You might also want to cut back the flower stalks after they have finished blooming to encourage additional blooms. Typically, an annual pruning is sufficient for maintaining the plant's health and aesthetic appeal.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells thrive in well-draining, organically rich soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of one-part garden soil, one-part peat moss or coconut coir, and one-part perlite or sandy loam is ideal. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer at planting time to support growth.
RepottingCoral Bells generally need to be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil. Gently lift the plant, divide if necessary, and repot in a slightly larger container with fresh soil mix.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells prefer moderate humidity but are adaptable to a variety of conditions. Ensuring good air circulation will help reduce the risk of humidity-related diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Coral Bells in bright, indirect light with moist, rich soil.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade with good drainage and organic-rich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleCoral Bells 'Blackberry Jam' begins its life cycle as seeds sown in soil or rhyzome division, then, upon germination, sprouts into seedlings. As the seedlings grow, they form a rosette of leaves at the base, showcasing their characteristic deep purple to black foliage. The vegetative stage sees the plant developing its thick, leathery leaves and establishing a strong root system. Once mature, usually in late spring or early summer, 'Blackberry Jam' enters the reproductive stage, sending up tall flowering stalks with small bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds form and are dispersed, completing the cycle. In winter, the plant may die back, entering a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, but the perennial roots survive underground to regrow in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam', commonly referred to as Coral Bells, is best propagated in the spring or early summer to allow sufficient time for establishment before the onset of cold weather. The most popular method for propagating this plant is by division. To propagate Coral Bells through division, the gardener should gently lift the entire plant from the soil and use a sharp, clean knife or spade to cut the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions can then be replanted immediately into a well-prepared garden bed or pot filled with potting mix, ideally placing them at the same depth they were growing before. It is important to keep the newly planted divisions well-watered to help them establish a new root system. With proper care, the divisions will grow into full plants that mirror the characteristics of the parent Heuchera 'Blackberry Jam'.
