So elegant and chic, 'Black Taffeta' looks like it belongs on the runway! This shade-lover grows big, distinctive leaves that are extremely ruffled and glossy. In late spring and early summer petite pink flower-spikes rise over the foliage and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Between its adorable blooms and stylish evergreen foliage, this beauty adds interest to the garden all year round! 'Black Taffeta' works beautifully as a groundcover for shadier spots, and is also compact enough to work in containers, where the glossy black ruffles make a striking statement when paired with Hostas and ornamental grasses.
This Heuchera is a cross between 'Chocolate Ruffles' and 'Midnight Ruffles.' It features the dark, highly-ruffled look of both parents, but this time on larger, glossier leaves that maintain a warmer tone throughout the winter. The tops of the leaves are a burnished black while the bottoms are plum-colored, bringing some chocolaty warmth to the black color.
'Black Taffeta' quickly grows to its mature size of 15 inches wide and only 12 inches tall (21 when in flower). In May and June, little pink flowers arise on slender white stems, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. The thick, leathery foliage is evergreen and tough enough to stand up to the elements and retain its beauty--in fact, the color only improves with sunlight.
Plant 'Black Taffeta' in full sun to part shade and average soil. Let the plant dry out a bit between waterings--better too dry than too wet. Its high tolerance for drought, heat, and humidity makes it well-suited to the Deep South, though it is also hardy up to zone 4, and its foliage takes on a lovely purple-brown tone in winter.
