Dressed Up® 'Evening Gown' Coral Bells

The Dressed Up® 'Evening Gown' Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Evening Gown') delivers exactly what shade gardeners crave: bold color where little else will grow. This Proven Winners® selection showcases deep plum-purple foliage that maintains its richness from spring through fall, creating a sophisticated backdrop in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and container combinations.

Foliage That Commands Attention

The ruffled, rounded leaves emerge in spring with an almost black-purple intensity that gradually settles into a rich burgundy tone. Unlike some purple-leaved Heucheras that fade to muddy green by summer, Evening Gown holds its color remarkably well even in deeper shade. The foliage forms a neat mound that stays compact without flopping, making it ideal for edging pathways or filling the front of shaded borders.

Delicate Blooms Add Vertical Interest

In late spring, slender stems rise 18 to 24 inches above the foliage, each topped with airy sprays of soft pink flowers. While the blooms are delicate individually, they create an impressive cloud effect when viewed from a distance. Hummingbirds visit regularly for nectar, and the flowers make charming cut additions to small arrangements.

A Shade Garden Workhorse

This Coral Bells excels where many colorful plants struggle. Pair it with hostas, ferns, and astilbes for textural contrast, or use it to echo the purple tones in Heucherella and Tiarella varieties. The compact size makes Evening Gown perfect for containers on shaded patios where its foliage color brightens dark corners. Deer typically leave Heucheras alone, making this an excellent choice for gardens with browsing pressure.

Easy Care for Lasting Beauty

Once established, Evening Gown requires minimal fussing. The semi-evergreen foliage often persists through winter in zones 7-9, providing color when the garden is at its most bare. In colder zones, the crown remains alive underground and sends up fresh growth each spring. Every three to four years, divide plants in early spring to maintain vigor and propagate more for your garden.

Dressed Up® Evening Gown Coral Bells brings sophisticated color and reliable performance to shaded spaces where gardeners need plants that work as hard as they look beautiful.