Heuchera 'Magma' is a striking perennial featuring vibrant red foliage that glows in shaded gardens. Its rounded leaves form dense mounds, while airy spikes of soft pink flowers rise in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators and adding delicate seasonal contrast. This cultivar thrives in partial shade and brings bold, low maintenance color to borders, woodland gardens, and container plantings.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 in x 14 - 20 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
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 'Magma' is a hybrid derived from North American coral bells species. While not naturally occurring in the wild, it shares the hardiness and adaptability of its native parent species.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Monarchs are drawn to the pink flowers for nectar in late spring.
Bees
- Native bumblebees, sweat bees, and honeybees visit regularly, supporting pollination in shaded garden areas.
Beneficial Predatory Insects
- Attracts lady beetles and lacewings which help control aphids and other common shade garden pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to promote proper leaf spread and airflow for healthy growth.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, mass plantings, and container plantings where bold foliage color is desired.
Companion Plants
- Brunnera macrophylla (Jack Frost) - Silvery veined leaves brighten shaded areas and pair well with red foliage.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Running Foamflower) - Low groundcover beneath Heuchera enhances texture and seasonal interest.
- Hosta 'Blue Angel' - Large blue green leaves provide striking contrast against deep red Heuchera foliage.
- Astilbe (Fanal) - Feathery flower plumes create vertical interest and complement rounded foliage.
- Ferns (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum') - Silvery fronds offer texture contrast and seasonal layering in shade gardens.