Heuchera Dolce 'Wildberry' is a striking coral bells cultivar with intense purple foliage and deeply scalloped leaves that maintain their vibrant color from spring through fall. This compact mound forming perennial adds dramatic contrast to shade and part sun gardens. It produces slender spikes of light pink flowers in early to mid summer that rise above the foliage on dark stems, attracting pollinators and adding vertical interest.
Height & Spread: 12 - 16 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil with good organic content
Watering Needs: Moderate; keep evenly moist, especially in summer heat
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant due to leathery textured leaves
Native Status
Heuchera Dolce 'Wildberry' is a cultivated variety derived from native North American Heuchera species. While not native itself, it shares characteristics with wild coral bells and performs well in native inspired gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts native sweat bees, bumblebees, and small solitary bees to its bell shaped summer blooms.
Butterflies
- Visited by small butterflies like Pearl Crescent and Spring Azure seeking nectar from the flowers.
Beneficial Insects
- Flowering spikes attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps that help control pests in shady garden areas.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow foliage to spread fully and create a dense, weed suppressing canopy.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for edging shaded borders, mixing into woodland gardens, or as a foliage accent in containers and small space plantings.
Companion Plants
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Its silver foliage contrasts beautifully with the rich purple leaves of 'Wildberry'.
- Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) - Adds coppery fronds that emerge in spring and harmonize with the purple tones.
- Tiarella cordifolia 'Sugar and Spice' - Offers delicate frothy flowers and a low mounding habit that complements Heuchera texture.
- Carex oshimensis 'Everillo' - Chartreuse grass like foliage creates a bright pop against the deep colors of 'Wildberry'.
- Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' - Miniature blue foliage adds shape and color contrast in compact spaces or containers.