Plum Pudding Coral Bells

Heuchera 'Plum Pudding'

Nature Hills Nursery

Silvery-Purple Maple-Shaped Leaves with Dark Veining Create Year-Round Garden Drama
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 1 ft Tall and Wide
Showy White Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$34⁹⁷

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give 'Plum Pudding' 4-6 hours of morning sun, but absolutely protect it from intense afternoon exposure, especially in warmer zones. While it tolerates deep shade, this will dull the rich purple color; too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, turning the edges crispy brown.
Soil: The key is perfect drainage; Coral Bells despise "wet feet," particularly through the winter months. Incorporate a generous amount of well-rotted compost and some coarse sand or grit into heavy clay soil to ensure winter meltwater drains away swiftly. Use compost to enrich sandy soil for better moisture and nutrient retention.

Watering Requirements

New plantings need consistent moisture for their first season to establish a deep root system, generally one inch of water per week if natural rain is insufficient. Once established, 'Plum Pudding' is reasonably drought-tolerant, but keeping up with watering during dry spells ensures the largest, most vibrant foliage. Stress from inconsistent moisture will result in a smaller overall plant and stunted, less appealing flower spikes.

Pruning Tips

Coral Bells primarily bloom on fresh spikes, so they do not require structural pruning. The best practice is to deadhead the spent flower stalks by clipping them at the base after the tiny bell-like blooms have faded. This simple act redirects the plant's energy back into its stunning foliage rather than into producing unwanted seed. Additionally, clean up any tattered or winter-damaged leaves right down to the crown in early spring before new growth emerges.

Fertilizer Needs

In average to rich garden soil, 'Plum Pudding' often needs no supplemental feeding, focusing its energy on leaf production naturally. If growth is sluggish, apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer early in the spring as the first new growth begins to show. What to Avoid: Do not use high-nitrogen liquid fertilizers in late summer or fall, as this promotes tender, soft growth that is highly susceptible to frost damage during the coming winter months.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

If you want to define your garden beds and attract butterflies and hummingbirds, add this little gem. With extravagant maple-shaped leaves, Plum Pudding Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Plum Pudding') boasts a shimmering, silvery-purple hue and dark purple veining. Each shallow-lobed, rounded leaf is a botanical masterpiece! These ground-hugging plants are quietly flashy, and they'll fit beautifully in just about any design scheme.

With prominent veins and a silvery-gray overcast, Plum Pudding is nicknamed "Fancy Leaf" Coral Bells. They are a must-have for garden borders that run through sun and partial shade conditions. Be on the lookout in late spring to early summer, as the lofty flower spikes start reaching far above the rounded foliage mound and sport tiny, white, bell-shaped "Fairy Flowers" that Hummingbirds love. The blooms grow in airy panicles on each dark, delicate spike that looks fantastic in bouquets.

It's beautiful from early spring all the way through fall and beyond. In some climates, it even remains evergreen, vibrant, and colorful for plenty of winter interest. The color is never, ever flat. Instead, its foliage changes to silver with a purple tint in winter. During mild winters the foliage will persist if you provide adequate moisture to the soil.

Planting and Application:

This versatile plum purple plant stands alone as a subtle superstar. But it truly shines when used as a partner plant for chartreuse or yellow foliage plants. Of course, you'll want to tuck Plum Puddings into your exterior containers as a spectacular "Filler" to boost the eye appeal of standout "Thrillers." Use this same concept in your garden beds. Allow these lovely semi-evergreen perennials to form low mounds of deliciously dark color touched with a splash of quicksilver. Heuchera adds bold contrast and texture to the perennial garden.

Together, these contrasting colors tell a garden story you'll never grow tired of. Add them to Cottage Gardens and Rock Gardens with a wild rumpus of other flowering perennials. You'll enjoy watching the sweet white flowers flutter and dance a foot above the leaves! This is a plant that captures the imagination of young children. Add a durable groundcover near their play area and you'll enjoy a massed reddish-purple "river" of Plum Pudding.

Create a solid mat by planting 8 inches apart on center. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next. Add these to your Victory Garden as a decorative border. You'll entice helpful Pollinators to come a-calling, and support your harvests! Plum Pudding highlights other plants in a really beautiful way. Cozy it up to your taller perennials, or hide the bare stems of leggy shrubs when planted as a groundcover.

Impressive, Deeply Veined, Purple Foliage With Silvery Sheen
Wispy Flower Spikes Rise Up to Two Feet Above the Foliage
Stays Small and Compact
Butterflies & Hummingbirds Adore Coral Bells
Edging, Beds and Borders, Container Gardens & Paths

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Heuchera, also known as Alum Root, tolerates a wide spectrum of sun conditions, including full sun and part shade. If you use these Perennials in full sun, be sure to water well and add a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch at the root zones. Full shade will limit blooming and wash out the foliage, so is not recommended. They are cold-hardy, drought tolerant, and able to withstand heat and humidity...nothing seems to phase this easy-to-grow plant. But to keep Plum Pudding looking its best, be sure to water more frequently in hot, dry weather, giving the plant about one inch of water per week. Plant them in well-drained soil. Please know that Coral Bells hate wet soil in the winter.

You don't want to bury the crown of the plant too deep. You can plant them "high" with an inch of the root ball showing, then pull mulch up and around the root system. In early spring, carefully hand-rake debris and dried leaves from the mound. Use sharp garden snips to trim any old leaves off. You'll love watching the new growth emerge for a fresh new start to your beautiful growing season!

Widely Adaptable In Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moderate Moisture Needs & Well-Drained Soil
Prune Early Spring
Easy Care & Drought Tolerant
Takes Cold, Heat and Humidity

Sultry and scintillating, the Plum Pudding Coral Bells add brilliant and exceptional color to the darkest spot in your garden. You'll love its vigor and low-maintenance nature. Order yours from the experts at Nature Hills this season!

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and spread of Plum Pudding Coral Bells?

Plum Pudding Coral Bells forms compact mounds 8-10 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide. The delicate flower spikes reach 18-24 inches above the foliage in late spring to early summer. Space plants 10-12 inches apart for proper air circulation and room to spread.

Does Plum Pudding Coral Bells grow well in full sun or does it prefer partial shade?

Plum Pudding Coral Bells thrives in both sun and partial shade conditions. This versatility makes it perfect for garden borders that transition between different light levels. Plant it where it gets morning sun with afternoon protection for best foliage color.

How often should I water Plum Pudding Coral Bells, and is it drought-tolerant once established?

Plum Pudding Coral Bells needs consistent moisture but becomes moderately drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly the first year, then reduce to weekly deep watering during dry spells. The foliage persists through mild winters only with adequate soil moisture, so don't let it completely dry out.

What type of soil does Plum Pudding Coral Bells need, and does it require good drainage?

Plum Pudding Coral Bells thrive in well-draining soil and are quite adaptable to various soil types. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially during winter months. Plant in loose, fertile soil amended with compost for best results.

How do I plant Plum Pudding Coral Bells, and when is the best time to plant?

Plant Plum Pudding Coral Bells in spring or early fall in well-draining soil with partial shade to sun exposure. Space plants 12-15 inches apart and plant at the same depth as the container. Water regularly the first season to establish roots - shop quality plants at naturehills.com.

Is Plum Pudding Coral Bells deer-resistant?

Plum Pudding Coral Bells are generally deer-resistant, as most Heuchera varieties have foliage that deer typically avoid. The thick, textured leaves with their silvery-purple coloring are not preferred browse. For best protection, plant them closer to high-traffic areas of your garden.

Does Plum Pudding Coral Bells attract pollinators like butterflies, hummingbirds, or bees?

Plum Pudding Coral Bells attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds with its delicate white bell-shaped flowers. The blooms appear on tall spikes in late spring to early summer, creating an airy display that hummingbirds particularly love. Plant in borders that transition from sun to partial shade for best pollinator appeal.

What are the care requirements for Plum Pudding Coral Bells, including fertilizing?

Plum Pudding Coral Bells thrive in sun to partial shade with consistent moisture, especially during mild winters when foliage persists. Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring before the late spring to early summer bloom period. Water regularly but ensure good drainage to prevent crown rot.

How do I prune or maintain Plum Pudding Coral Bells in early spring?

Remove any winter-damaged or dead foliage in early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back old flower stems from the previous season to ground level. Simply trim damaged leaves at the base with clean pruners to make room for fresh, colorful spring growth.

Will Plum Pudding Coral Bells tolerate my zone 3 or zone 9 climate?

Plum Pudding Coral Bells are hardy in zones 4-9, so they won't survive zone 3 winters but thrive in zone 9. In zone 9, provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture. Consider container growing in zone 3 to bring indoors for winter protection.