Perennials

Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake'

Coral bells

Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake': 15 cm high and 30 cm spread, sun to partial shade exposure. Red flowers in May-June. Zone 4; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

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Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 4

Discover the plant

Common nameHeuchera 'Black Forest Cake'
FamilySaxifragaceae
GenusHeuchera
CultivarForêt Noire
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameCoral bells

With Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’, the flowerbed welcomes a plant whose flowers feature red tones. Among its distinctive details: bell-shaped flowers. The foliage displays chocolate hues, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is May-June. Its size of 15 cm by 30 cm reserves it a place at the low and front edge of a bed, without forgetting the space of its neighbors.

In terms of cultivation, Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’ appreciates sun to partial shade exposure; the recommended soil is humus-rich, retaining its moisture during growth, without stagnant water around the crown. For Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain fresh. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate water requirements. A margin corresponding to its spread of 30 cm avoids having to move the clump in the first seasons. The indicated hardiness level is zone 4, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.

To maintain the appeal of Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’ after flowering, remove damaged leaves without burying the crown and protect the foliage from scorching sun if the soil dries out quickly. Freezing and thawing can lift the heuchera's crown; check in spring that the roots remain well in contact with the soil. For pairings, consider echinaceas, perennial geraniums, daylilies in varieties with similar needs. The flowering (May-June) and the spread of 30 cm will serve as benchmarks for arranging other plants around this plant.

Heuchère ‘Black Forest Cake’ — Heuchera

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 30 cm
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to establish themselves before the severe cold weather.
Propagation Division of clumps. Sowing does not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’: Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots to establish before severe cold weather. For Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry out and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water. Freezing and thawing can lift the crown of the heuchera; check in spring that the roots remain in good contact with the soil.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acid to neutral; general indication of botanical group

Care level

Regular maintenance

Watering

For 'Black Forest Cake' Heuchera, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not negate the need for water.

Soil type

Humus-rich, retaining moisture during growth, with no standing water around the crown

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Regular freshness during growth

Seasonal care

'Black Forest Cake' Heuchera: remove damaged leaves without burying the crown and protect the foliage from scorching sun if the soil dries out quickly. During its flowering period (May-June), also look out for damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

A stable, perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and adult development.
To grow Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (30 cm). The substrate must remain moist; it will dry out faster than in open ground. Protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Heuchère ‘Black Forest Cake’ — Heuchera

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

12 inches (30.5 cm)

Width / spread

12 inches (30.5 cm)

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Black

Foliage type

Persistent to semi-persistent depending on the climate and winter conditions

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

As a rosette

Fragrance

Not documented for this selection

Bloom period

May-June
Heuchère ‘Black Forest Cake’ — Heuchera

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Recommended companion plants for Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake': echinaceas, perennial geraniums, daylilies. Choose varieties that tolerate sun to partial shade and comparable moisture; allow adequate space for each mature clump.

Plants to avoid

Around Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake', especially avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility in terms of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake'?
Provide sun to partial shade and suitable soil (humus-rich, retaining moisture during growth, with no standing water around the crown). Frost and thaw can lift the heuchera's crown; check in spring that the roots remain in good contact with the soil.
Where should Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake' be planted?
Expect a height of about 15 cm and a width of 30 cm at maturity. Space plants about 30 cm apart from center to center, adjusting based on actual clump development. This size is suitable for use as a low border or at the front of a flower bed.
When does Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake' bloom?
The specified period is May-June. The flower color range is red. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, season, and plant establishment.
How to water and care for Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake'?
For Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake', regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water at the base when the surface starts to dry, and adjust watering based on rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water. Remove damaged leaves without burying the crown and protect the foliage from scorching sun if the soil dries out quickly.
Can 'Black Forest Cake' Heuchera be grown in a pot?
To try 'Black Forest Cake' Heuchera in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (30 cm). The substrate must remain moist; it will dry out faster than in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.