Purperklokje 'Palace Purple'

Heuchera 'Palace Purple'

Engels: Coral bells 'Palace Purple'

perennialSaxifragaceaeWintergroen

Purperklokje 'Palace Purple' (Heuchera 'Palace Purple') is a evergreen perennial from the Saxifragaceae family that grows up to 50cm tall. This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun and requires low maintenance. Blooms in late spring and early summer with white flowers and attracts bees.

Hoogte

30–50 cm

Breedte

30–45 cm

Zonligging

partial shade, full sun

Waterbehoefte

moderate

Grondsoort

loam, sandy soil

Onderhoud

low maintenance

Bloeitijd

late spring, early summer

Bloemkleuren

white

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
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Care tips

Planting

Heuchera 'Palace Purple' thrives in partial shade but tolerates full sun, particularly in cooler gardens where the foliage colour intensifies. Choose a site with well-drained soil; this cultivar performs well in loam or sandy soil but dislikes heavy clay that stays waterlogged. If your soil is heavy, work in grit or sharp sand and organic matter before planting to improve drainage and structure. Plant in March, April or May for spring establishment, or in September and October for autumn planting. Both windows work well, though autumn-planted heucheras settle in over winter and often grow away more vigorously the following spring. Space plants 35 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 30–45 cm. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and plant so the crown sits at soil level—never bury the crown, as this invites rot. Firm the soil gently around the roots, ensuring good contact, then water thoroughly to settle the plant in. In exposed sites or windy gardens, heucheras can work loose over winter due to frost heave, so check plants in late winter and firm them back in if necessary. Apply a 3–5 cm layer of mulch around the base after planting, keeping it clear of the crown itself. Use well-rotted compost, leaf mould or bark chips to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly for the first few weeks until the plant is established, especially if planting in spring or during dry spells. Once settled, heucheras are fairly drought-tolerant but appreciate consistent moisture in their first season.

Pruning

Heuchera 'Palace Purple' doesn't require traditional pruning, but it does benefit from a tidy-up in early spring to keep it looking its best. In March or April, before new growth begins in earnest, remove any tatty, winter-damaged or dead leaves by cutting them off at the base with secateurs or sharp scissors. This evergreen perennial often holds onto old foliage through winter, which can look tired and brown-edged by spring, so a thorough clear-out rejuvenates the plant and makes way for fresh, glossy purple leaves. Work carefully around the crown, cutting individual leaf stems rather than shearing the whole plant. You'll usually find that the centre of the clump produces bright new foliage even as the outer leaves fade, so be selective. If the plant has become congested or the crown has risen above soil level—common after a few years—this is also the time to lift, divide and replant, resetting the crown at the correct depth. During the flowering season in late spring and early summer, deadhead spent flower stems by cutting them back to the base once the small white blooms have faded. This isn't essential for the plant's health, but it keeps the clump tidy and prevents self-seeding, which can produce seedlings that revert to green foliage rather than the distinctive deep purple of 'Palace Purple'. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid bruising stems, and compost all healthy trimmings. Beyond this light maintenance, heucheras are undemanding and won't tolerate hard pruning into old wood.

Maintenance

Heuchera 'Palace Purple' has moderate water needs. Water regularly during dry spells in spring and summer, particularly in full sun positions where the soil dries out faster. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated—overwatering or poor drainage can lead to crown rot. In autumn and winter, reduce watering; established plants are quite drought-tolerant once their roots are down, and evergreen foliage means they tick over gently through the colder months. Feed in March, April or May with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or a light dressing of blood, fish and bone worked into the soil around the base. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage soft, lush growth at the expense of the rich purple foliage colour. A single spring feed is usually sufficient; overfeeding can make heucheras leggy and prone to flopping. This cultivar is hardy to zone 4 and needs no special winter protection in temperate European gardens. However, frost heave can lift the crown out of the soil, especially in heavy or wet ground. Check plants in late February or early March and gently firm them back in if necessary. Refresh the mulch layer annually in spring, keeping it away from the crown to prevent rot. Vine weevil is the main pest to watch for. Adults notch the leaf edges, but the real damage comes from the grubs, which eat the roots and can kill the plant. If you notice wilting or poor growth, check for C-shaped white larvae in the compost. Treat with biological nematodes in late summer or early spring. Powdery mildew and rust can occasionally appear in humid conditions; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimise risk.