Heuchera 'Forever Red' is a vibrant perennial with deep red foliage that maintains its color throughout the growing season. Its rounded slightly ruffled leaves form a dense mound, while tall, airy flower spikes of soft pink blossoms rise in late spring and early summer, attracting pollinators and adding subtle contrast. This cultivar thrives in partial shade and is ideal for adding rich color to shaded garden beds, borders, and containers.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 in x 12 - 20 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, rich loam
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil
Deer Resistance: Generally avoided due to slightly bitter foliage
Native Status
Heuchera 'Forever Red' is a hybrid derived from North American coral bells species. While not naturally occurring in the wild, it inherits adaptability, resilience, and ornamental appeal from its native parent species.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Painted Ladies and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails are attracted to the nectar-rich pink flowers in late spring.
Bees
- Native bumblebees, sweat bees, and honeybees frequently visit the blooms, enhancing pollination in shaded areas.
Beneficial Predatory Insects
- Supports lady beetles and lacewings that help control aphids and other common shade garden pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow proper leaf spread and air circulation for healthy growth.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, container plantings, and mass plantings for bold seasonal color.
Companion Plants
- Brunnera macrophylla (Looking Glass) - Silvery-veined leaves brighten shade gardens and pair well with red foliage.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Spring Symphony) - Provides low groundcover beneath Heuchera, enhancing texture and seasonal interest.
- Hosta 'Halcyon' - Blue-green foliage creates striking contrast against deep red Heuchera leaves.
- Astilbe (Visions) - Feathery flower plumes add vertical interest and complement rounded foliage.
- Ferns (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum') - Silver-green fronds provide texture contrast and seasonal layering.