Why gardeners love Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’
- Deep purple foliage that works with almost any planting scheme
- Very hardy and reliable compared to newer varieties
- Excellent sun tolerance for a dark‑leaved Heuchera
- Great value plant that bulks up quickly
This is the benchmark Heuchera — dependable, unfussy and timeless.
Best position for colour & performance
One of ‘Palace Purple’s biggest strengths is flexibility:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Best colour in sun or bright shade
- Shade produces slightly greener tones, sun deepens the purple
Unlike many modern cultivars, it copes well with more exposed spots as long as soil isn’t waterlogged.
Soil & planting conditions
For best results, plant into:
- Moist but well‑drained soil
- Loam or compost‑enriched ground
- Neutral to slightly acidic soils
It is more tolerant of poorer soils than most Heucheras, although drainage is still important to avoid winter crown rot.
Planting plug plants successfully
When growing from 5cm plug plants:
- Pot on into 9cm pots to establish roots
- Use peat‑free, free‑draining compost
- Keep the crown level with compost surface
- Harden off before planting outside
This gives stronger plants that establish faster once planted out.
Ongoing care (very easy)
Watering
- Water well while establishing
- Once settled, very tolerant of dry spells
- Containers need more regular watering in summer
Feeding
- A spring compost top‑dress is usually sufficient
- Avoid excessive feeding — it softens leaf colour
Tidying
- Remove tired or winter‑marked leaves in early spring
- Flower stems can be left for pollinators or removed for a tidy look
Dividing
- Divide every 3–5 years to keep plants vigorous
Height, spread & flowers
- Forms a loose mound around 30–45cm tall, spreading 40–50cm
- Small pink‑white flowers appear in early to midsummer
- Flowers are airy and subtle, adding lightness above the foliage
Garden design ideas
‘Palace Purple’ is one of the most versatile foliage plants you can grow.
Works beautifully with:
- Bright foliage: Heuchera ‘Electra’, lime grasses, chartreuse hostas
- Soft planting: grasses, astrantia, gauras
- Bold colour: salvias, echinacea, red heucheras
Mass planting tip: Plant in drifts for a rich, grounding backdrop that makes brighter plants pop.
FAQs
Is Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ evergreen?
Evergreen to semi‑evergreen in most UK gardens. Old leaves are easily tidied in spring.
Can it grow in full sun?
Yes. ‘Palace Purple’ is one of the most sun‑tolerant Heucheras, provided soil is not excessively dry.
Is it good for containers?
Yes, though it grows larger than modern compact varieties. Ideal for bigger pots and troughs.
Does it need much care?
Very little. It’s one of the most forgiving and long‑lived Heucheras you can grow.
Is it good value compared to newer varieties?
Absolutely. It establishes quickly, lasts for years, and works in more conditions than many newer cultivars.
Call to Action
If you want a proven, no‑nonsense Heuchera that delivers year‑round colour with minimal effort, ‘Palace Purple’ remains one of the best foliage perennials ever introduced.
