Botanical Name: Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’

Common Name: Coral Bells

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 4–9)

Size: 8–12" Tall × 14–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Dense, Low-Mounding, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun (Best Color in Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade)

Soil: Well-Drained, Organic-Rich Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture Preferred

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer

Fertilizer: Light Feeding in Spring

Features: Near-Black Foliage with Glossy Finish, Strong Color Retention, Evergreen to Semi-Evergreen, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Shade Gardens, Borders, Containers, Woodland Gardens, Foliage Contrast

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Heuchera Growth & Care Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’

‘Black Forest Cake’ is a Heuchera variety that brings instant depth to a planting. The foliage is a true near black with a subtle gloss that almost looks lacquered when the light hits it in the morning. In Spring, the leaves emerge dark and saturated, and unlike many older dark varieties, they do not wash out once Summer heat settles in. Here in the Upstate, that matters. Our humidity can be relentless, but this one keeps its rich tone instead of fading to muddy brown. The rounded leaves layer tightly, creating a polished mound that feels structured and intentional.

In Late Spring to Early Summer, slender stems rise up with small creamy white blooms that hover above the dark foliage. The flowers are soft and airy, which I appreciate because they complement the plant instead of competing with it. Pollinators will visit, but visually, the foliage is always the star. Even in Winter, it holds well in our Zone 8a climate, often remaining evergreen and giving the shade garden something strong to lean on when other perennials have disappeared.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Black Forest Cake’ has been impressively consistent. It builds into a dense, even mound without opening up in the center, and it branches well so you never get that sparse look some Heuchera can develop after a tough Summer. I have planted it in morning sun with afternoon shade and in brighter filtered light, and it has performed reliably in both settings as long as drainage is right. Our red clay can be unforgiving, so we amend heavily, and once established, this variety settles in beautifully. It handles heat better than many dark leaf selections I have grown over the years.

This plant earns its keep every single time we use it. The near black foliage grounds a planting in a way few plants can, giving everything around it more clarity and depth. I love working it into containers where you can really study the layering and see how the dark leaves create structure beneath the rest of the mix. It delivers strong contrast and clean lines without feeling busy, which is exactly what I want when we are building combinations that need to look confident and composed from day one.

Black Forest Cake vs. Other Heuchera Varieties

‘Black Forest Cake’ offers a richer, chocolate-toned interpretation of dark Heuchera, sitting just lighter than true black varieties like Obsidian. Its foliage often shows subtle brown and burgundy undertones, giving it a warmer appearance. Compared to Forever Purple, it reads deeper and more neutral, making it easier to integrate into mixed color palettes.

This variety is ideal for gardeners who want dark foliage without the starkness of pure black. Black Forest Cake excels in layered plantings where depth and texture are more important than contrast alone. It complements reds like Forever Red and Fire Alarm while softening their intensity. It works especially well with Northern Exposure™ Silver for balanced designs. In shaded borders and containers, it provides richness without overwhelming surrounding plants.