Botanical Name: Heuchera ‘Obsidian’

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: Jet-Black Foliage, Matte Finish, Excellent Color Stability, Evergreen to Semi-Evergreen

Uses: Shade Gardens, Borders, Containers, Woodland Gardens, Dramatic 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 ‘Obsidian’

Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ has earned its reputation for a reason. When people ask me for a true black foliage perennial, this is the one I point to first. The leaves are genuinely jet black, not burgundy, not bronzed, not almost dark. In Spring, the foliage emerges rich and saturated, and it holds that depth straight through Summer and into Fall. Many dark varieties soften or fade once the heat settles in, but ‘Obsidian’ keeps its inky tone with impressive consistency, even here in our humid Upstate South Carolina climate.

The leaves are smooth with a matte finish that gives the plant a clean, modern look. It forms a low, compact mound that feels structured and intentional, never loose or floppy. In Late Spring, slender stems rise above the foliage carrying small creamy white blooms. The flowers are subtle and airy, offering just enough contrast without stealing the show. Even when it is not in bloom, the foliage alone carries the planting and provides strong presence through the Seasons.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our testing grounds here in the SC Upstate, ‘Obsidian’ has been one of the most reliable Heucheras we grow. It builds into a tight, uniform mound and does not thin out in the center after a tough Summer. With proper drainage in our red clay soil, it establishes well and handles heat and humidity better than most people expect from a black leaf plant. I have watched it sit beside lesser dark varieties that slowly bronze out while ‘Obsidian’ stays steady and saturated.

7 or 8 Summers ago we accidentally stress tested this plant without meaning to. We had a new hire helping and he forgot to look after a whole row of pots and containers in our testing area for weeks. In the middle of a hot, humid Upstate Summer. By the time I realized what had happened, I was fully prepared to drag a bunch of crispy plants to the compost pile. What shocked me was that this variety was still standing there like nothing had happened. The soil was dry, the surrounding plants were struggling, and yet the foliage still looked strong and intact. It was not lush like it would be with proper care, but it held its color and structure far better than it had any right to. Once we corrected the watering and gave it a little attention, ‘Obsidian’ bounced back without missing a beat.

Obsidian vs. Other Heuchera Varieties 

‘Obsidian’ is the gold standard for black foliage Heuchera, delivering deep, glossy, near-black leaves that anchor garden designs. Compared to Black Forest Cake, Obsidian is cleaner and darker, with fewer brown undertones. It provides stronger contrast than purple varieties like Forever Purple, making it ideal as a grounding plant. Obsidian is frequently used to make brighter colors such as Fire Alarm, Lime Marmalade, and Georgia Peach pop.

From a design perspective, Obsidian functions as a structural element rather than just a color accent. Obsidian pairs seamlessly with Berry Smoothie, and other high-contrast Heuchera selections. Its refined foliage makes it especially popular in modern landscapes, containers, and formal borders.