Heuchera 'Dark Secret'PBR
alum root 'Dark Secret'
A clump-forming perennial to about 25cm high, forming a mound of lobed, dark purple, almost black leaves with lightly ruffled edges. Loose sprays of small white flowers emerge from pink buds, held on slender stems above the foliage in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Purple | ||
| Autumn | Purple | |||
| Winter | Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Heuchera are more or less evergreen, clump-forming perennials with attractive, rounded, shallowly palmately lobed leaves and racemes or panicles of small, tubular flowers, often with colourful calyces
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a fertile, neutral soil in sun or light shade, and ensure good drainage, especially in heavy soils. The woody rootstock tends to lift out of the ground over time, so mulch annually to retain moisture. Divide and replant every 3-4 years to maintain vigour
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to heuchera rust and leafy gall
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.