Heuchera villosa f. purpurea 'Bronze Wave' - CORAL BELLS 'BRONZE WAVE'

How does one choose the right coral bells from the never-ending list of cultivars? It can be difficult, but some Heucheras are better than others, and this is an exceptional selection.

‘Bronze Wave’ did very well at Mt. Cuba Center’s Heuchera trial and is a very vigorous and long-lasting plant.

The big, glossy, bronze-brown leaves (with black-purple backsides) remind of sycamore leaves. Excellent habitus; the small white flowers have an airy grass-flower look (over 60 inflorescences on three year old plants). It forms reliable and attractive ground-covering mounds. This alumroot belongs to bigger cultivars, as the leaves are 8” wide.

The little flowers offer nectar to hummingbirds. Tolerant to black walnuts and dry shade. Wonderful in half shade borders, woodland edges, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas.

Very good combinations are with bright green perennials and grasses, or other Heucheras. Choose Aruncus, Aquilegia, woodland Asters, Brunnera, Carex, Hakonechloa, Tradescantia, botanical Hemerocallis, Hosta, or native ferns.

Also called hairy alumroot (which is a translation from the Latin name).

Picture copyrights : Mt. Cuba Center

Blooming Time: late June to early August
Size: 18” tall (30” with flowers) x 38” wide, spacing 35-40”
USDA Zones: 3 to 8
Culture: half shade, dappled shade, lighter shade (grows best with 4 or less hours of sunshine), grows well in average soil, tolerates drier shade
Moisture Needs: medium, medium-moist
Origin: This nativar is a garden origin selection introduced by Charles Oliver of the Primrose Path Nursery in 2011. This is a vegetative propagated variety. The botanical species of H. villosa is native to states from New York to Alabama (see the distribution of Heuchera villosa on this USDA map)
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: little bees
Attracts Hummingbirds: yes
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 5" deep pot