Botanical Name: Heuchera ‘Forever Purple’

Common Name: Coral Bells

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

Size: 8–12" Tall × 14–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Mounded Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best Color with Some Sun)

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: Deep Glossy Purple Foliage, Excellent Color Retention, Evergreen in Mild Climates

Uses: Borders, Containers, Shade Gardens, Foundation Plantings, Year-Round Foliage Interest

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

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

More About Heuchera ‘Forever Purple’

Heuchera ‘Forever Purple’ has one of the richest purple tones you will find in a perennial. The color is deep and saturated in Spring, almost velvety, and it holds beautifully as we move through Summer and into Fall. The leaves have a slight ruffle and a healthy sheen that keeps the plant from looking flat or dull. In our Upstate South Carolina climate, where heat and humidity can wash out lesser varieties, this one keeps its depth remarkably well.

The plant forms a tidy, rounded mound that feels structured and intentional in the landscape. In Late Spring to Early Summer, airy stems lift soft pinkish purple blooms above the foliage, adding a gentle layer of movement without stealing attention from the leaves. Even when not in flower, it carries the bed with strong foliage color alone. In our Zone 8a Winters, it often remains evergreen, giving the garden something substantial when other perennials have disappeared.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Forever Purple’ has been one of the most dependable Heuchera selections we grow. It establishes quickly, branches well, and fills out evenly without developing a thin center. We have grown it in bright morning sun and in filtered shade, and both exposures have produced strong color as long as drainage is good. Our heavy red clay demands amendment, but once the soil is improved, this plant settles in and performs with very little fuss.

I had a client a few years ago who was frustrated because her shade bed always looked washed out by mid Summer. Beautiful plants individually, but together it just felt flat and tired. We replanted that area with ‘Forever Purple’ woven throughout as the backbone, and it completely changed the feel of the space. The deep purple gave the bed structure and made the surrounding greens feel more intentional instead of random.

Forever Purple vs. Other Heuchera Varieties

‘Forever Purple’ stands apart for its true, saturated violet foliage, offering color that is bold without reading black. Compared to Obsidian and Black Forest Cake, it feels brighter and more ornamental. It contrasts beautifully with lime and silver varieties like Lime Marmalade and Northern Exposure™ Silver. Its narrow, ruffled leaves also add a different texture compared to broader-leaved Heuchera.

As part of the Forever Series, Forever Purple is bred for long-lasting color and uniform growth, making it a reliable choice for designers. It holds its purple tones well through heat and seasonal changes, outperforming many non-series purple varieties, while still pairing naturally with reds such as Forever Red. Forever Purple works exceptionally well in containers, borders, and mass plantings where consistent color matters.