Berry Smoothie Coral Bell Planted with Purple Palace

Berry Smoothie coral bells and Purple Palace create a breathtaking foliage duo with rose-pink and deep purple leaves that shine from spring through fall. This guide covers everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and designing with these two stunning Heuchera varieties together.

There is something magical about walking through a garden where foliage takes center stage. Flowers come and go, but leaves? They stay. They anchor the bed. They provide structure. And when you pair two coral bell varieties as striking as Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace, you create a tapestry that looks good twelve months a year.

I first discovered this combination at a botanical garden in the Pacific Northwest. It was late October. Most perennials had folded up for the season. But there, in a partly shaded border, these two Heucheras were glowing. Berry Smoothie with its ruffled, metallic rose-pink leaves. Purple Palace with its satiny, near-black purple foliage. Together they looked like jewelry scattered across the soil. I took a photo. I took notes. And I have been recommending this pairing ever since.

Key Takeaways

• Perfect color contrast: Berry Smoothie offers rose-pink foliage while Purple Palace delivers deep purple-black leaves for dramatic visual impact
• Similar growing needs: Both varieties thrive in partial shade with well-draining soil, making them ideal planting partners
• Year-round interest: These evergreen perennials provide color even in winter when many plants go dormant
• Low maintenance duo: Once established, both varieties require minimal care beyond occasional watering and dividing
• Versatile design uses: Works beautifully in borders, containers, woodland gardens, and as ground cover
• Pollinator friendly: The delicate flower spikes attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects to your garden
• Deer and rabbit resistant: Both varieties are typically avoided by common garden pests

Quick Answers to Common Questions

What is the best time to plant Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace coral bells?

Spring after the last frost or early fall (6-8 weeks before first frost) are ideal planting times for both varieties.

How much sun do Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace need?

Both thrive in partial shade with 4-6 hours of morning sun. In hot climates (zones 7-9), afternoon shade is essential to prevent leaf scorch.

How far apart should I space these two varieties when planting together?

Space plants 18-24 inches apart center-to-center. Berry Smoothie spreads wider (up to 24 inches) than Purple Palace (up to 18 inches).

Do Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace come back every year?

Yes, both are hardy perennials in USDA zones 4-9. Foliage remains evergreen in zones 6 and warmer; in colder zones, leaves may die back but crowns survive.

Why are my coral bells dying in the center?

Center die-out indicates the clump needs division (every 3-4 years). Dig, divide, and replant healthy outer sections to rejuvenate the plant.

Meet the Stars: Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace

Berry Smoothie Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Berry Smoothie’)

Berry Smoothie burst onto the scene as part of the popular “Smoothie” series bred by Terra Nova Nurseries. This variety stands out for its large, heavily ruffled leaves that emerge a bright rose-pink in spring, deepening to a rich berry tone with a subtle silver overlay as summer progresses. The leaves can reach four to five inches across, creating a bold, mounding habit that grows roughly eighteen inches tall and twenty-four inches wide.

What makes Berry Smoothie special is the texture. Those ruffles catch light differently throughout the day. Morning sun makes the leaves glow like stained glass. Evening light emphasizes the deep veins. And because the foliage is evergreen in most zones, you get this show even in January. The flower spikes appear in late spring to early summer, rising eighteen to twenty-four inches above the foliage with tiny cream-colored bells that hummingbirds adore.

Purple Palace Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Purple Palace’)

Purple Palace is a classic. It was one of the first purple-leaved Heucheras to gain widespread popularity, earning the Perennial Plant Association’s Plant of the Year award back in 1991. Its leaves are slightly smaller than Berry Smoothie, typically three to four inches across, with a more rounded, less ruffled shape. The color is intense — a deep, glossy purple-black that looks almost painted.

This variety forms a tight mound about twelve to eighteen inches tall and wide. In spring, new growth emerges with an almost metallic sheen. By summer, the leaves are so dark they read as black from a distance. The flower spikes are taller, often reaching thirty inches, with pale pink to white bells. Purple Palace is also notably heat tolerant for a dark-leaved variety, holding its color well even in warmer zones.

Why They Work Together

The magic happens in the contrast. Berry Smoothie brings warmth. Pink. Rose. Berry tones. Purple Palace brings depth. Drama. Near-black saturation. When planted together, each variety makes the other look more vibrant. The pink looks pinker against the purple. The purple looks deeper beside the pink. It is a classic color theory play — analogous colors (both in the red-purple family) with enough value difference to create pop.

But it is not just about color. The texture contrast matters too. Berry Smoothie’s ruffled, almost crinkled leaves next to Purple Palace’s smooth, satiny foliage creates tactile interest. The size difference — Berry Smoothie’s larger leaves versus Purple Palace’s more compact habit — adds another layer. And they bloom at slightly different times, extending the flower show.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Both Varieties

Light Requirements

Here is the good news: both Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace prefer the same light conditions. They thrive in partial shade — think morning sun with afternoon protection, or dappled light beneath deciduous trees. In cooler climates (zones 4-6), they can handle more sun, even full sun if the soil stays consistently moist. In warmer zones (7-9), afternoon shade is non-negotiable. Too much intense sun bleaches the foliage, especially on Purple Palace where the dark leaves absorb heat.

I have seen both varieties grown in deep shade. They survive. But they do not thrive. The colors dull. The habit becomes leggy. Flower production drops. Aim for that sweet spot: four to six hours of morning light or filtered all-day sun. If you are planting under trees, choose spots where the canopy is high enough to let light through. Dense evergreen shade is too dark.

Soil Preferences

Coral bells hate wet feet. This is the number one way gardeners lose them. Both Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace need well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The ideal pH sits between 6.0 and 7.0 — slightly acidic to neutral. Heavy clay? Amend it generously with compost, leaf mold, or aged bark. Sandy soil? Add compost to improve moisture retention.

Before planting, work in two to three inches of organic matter to a depth of twelve inches. This does two things: improves drainage and creates the humus-rich environment these woodland natives evolved in. If your soil is truly terrible, consider raised beds or containers. Both varieties perform beautifully in pots.

Watering Needs

Newly planted coral bells need consistent moisture for the first growing season. Water deeply two to three times per week during dry spells, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Once established (usually after one full season), both varieties are moderately drought tolerant. They will survive dry periods but look their best with regular water during hot spells.

A two-inch layer of shredded bark mulch or leaf mold helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool. Keep mulch pulled back slightly from the crown — wet mulch against the stem invites rot. Water at the base of the plant, not overhead. Wet foliage, especially in humid climates, can lead to fungal issues.

Hardiness Zones

Both varieties are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. In zone 4, provide winter protection with a light mulch of straw or evergreen boughs after the ground freezes. In zone 9, prioritize afternoon shade and consistent moisture. The foliage remains evergreen in zones 6 and warmer. In colder zones, leaves may die back but the crown survives underground.

Planting Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace Together

Timing Your Planting

Spring and fall are the ideal planting windows. Spring planting (after the last frost) gives roots all season to establish before winter. Fall planting (six to eight weeks before first frost) takes advantage of cooler temperatures and autumn rains. Avoid summer planting unless you can commit to daily watering during heat waves.

If you buy plants in summer, keep them in their pots in a shaded spot and plant in early fall. Container-grown plants can technically go in the ground any time the soil is workable, but why stress them?

Spacing and Arrangement

This is where design intention matters. Berry Smoothie spreads wider (up to twenty-four inches) than Purple Palace (up to eighteen inches). Space plants eighteen to twenty-four inches apart, center to center. For a mass planting, stagger them in a zigzag pattern rather than straight rows — this looks more natural and fills in faster.

Consider the viewing angle. If the bed is viewed from one side (against a fence or wall), plant Purple Palace in back and Berry Smoothie in front. The darker foliage recedes visually, making the bed appear deeper. The brighter pink comes forward. If the bed is viewed from all sides (an island bed), create drifts of three to five of each variety, intermingled at the edges.

For containers, choose a pot at least eighteen inches wide and deep. Plant one of each variety, or three total (two Berry Smoothie, one Purple Palace) for a fuller look. Use a high-quality potting mix with perlite for drainage.

Step-by-Step Planting Process

Start by watering your plants thoroughly while still in their nursery pots. This reduces transplant shock. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of each hole with a fork — this helps roots penetrate outward.

Gently remove the plant from its pot. If roots are circling (root-bound), tease them apart with your fingers or make three vertical slices with a knife. This sounds harsh but encourages outward growth. Place the plant in the hole so the crown (where stems meet roots) sits at or slightly above soil level. Planting too deep is a common mistake that leads to crown rot.

Backfill with the amended soil, firming gently around roots to eliminate air pockets. Water deeply to settle the soil. Apply two inches of mulch, keeping it away from the crown. Label your plants — it is easy to forget which is which when they are not in leaf.

Companion Plants for the Duo

Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace are stunning together, but they shine even brighter with the right supporting cast. Consider these companions:

• Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’) — silver and burgundy fronds echo both Heuchera colors
• Hosta ‘June’ or ‘June Fever’ — gold-centered leaves with blue-green margins brighten the shade
• Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ — heart-shaped silver leaves with green veins
• Astilbe ‘Visions in Pink’ or ‘Purple Candles’ — feathery plumes add vertical interest
• Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ — cascading gold-striped grass for movement
• Pulmonaria ‘Trevi Fountain’ — silver-spotted leaves and cobalt blue flowers
• Spring bulbs: Snowdrops, crocus, and species tulips bloom before Heuchera foliage peaks

Avoid aggressive spreaders like mint, lamium, or certain grasses that will smother the coral bells. Also skip plants that need full sun or bone-dry soil — their needs conflict.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring: The Awakening

Early spring is cleanup time. Remove any winter-damaged leaves — they will be brown, crispy, or mushy. Cut them at the base with clean scissors. Do not pull; you might uproot the plant. Check for heaving (plants pushed up by freeze-thaw cycles). If crowns are exposed, gently press them back down and add soil around the base.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar) at half the recommended rate. Coral bells are light feeders. Too much nitrogen produces lush green growth at the expense of those colorful leaves. Top-dress with an inch of compost around (not on) the crowns. Water if spring is dry.

Watch for flower spikes emerging in late spring. You can leave them for pollinators or cut them for bouquets. Deadheading spent spikes redirects energy to foliage.

Summer: Maintenance Mode

Summer care is mostly water management. Check soil moisture weekly during dry spells. Stick your finger two inches down — if dry, water deeply. Morning watering is best so foliage dries before evening. Watch for signs of stress: leaf scorch (brown edges), wilting that does not recover by morning, or color fading.

In humid climates, summer brings fungal pressure. Ensure good air circulation — do not crowd plants. Remove any leaves with dark spots or powdery coating. A preventive spray of neem oil or copper fungicide in early summer can help if you have had issues before.

Container plants need more frequent watering — possibly daily in heat waves. Fertilize monthly with liquid fertilizer at quarter strength.

Fall: Preparation

Early fall is an excellent time to divide established clumps (every three to four years). Dig the entire plant, shake off soil, and pull or cut apart into sections with healthy roots and several growth points. Replant immediately at the same depth. Water well. Divisions may look sad for a few weeks but recover quickly in cool weather.

Stop fertilizing after early September. You want plants hardening off, not pushing tender new growth. Continue watering until the ground freezes. Apply a fresh layer of mulch after the first hard frost, but wait until the ground is frozen to prevent rodents from nesting.

Winter: Rest

In zones 6-9, the foliage stays attractive all winter. Enjoy it. In zones 4-5, leaves may die back. Do not cut them off until spring — they protect the crown. If you must tidy, cut only the obviously dead material. A light covering of evergreen boughs or straw after the ground freezes provides insulation in the coldest zones.

Container plants need protection in zones 6 and below. Move pots to an unheated garage, bury them in the ground, or wrap them in bubble wrap and burlap. Water once a month if the soil is not frozen — roots still need moisture.

Design Ideas and Garden Applications

Shade Border Brilliance

The classic application: a partly shaded border along a north-facing wall, under high-limbed trees, or on the east side of a structure. Plant in drifts of odd numbers — three, five, seven. Alternate the varieties or group them in blocks. Edge the border with a low ground cover like Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ or Tiarella ‘Spring Symphony’ for a layered look.

Add vertical elements behind the Heucheras: a Japanese maple, a red-twig dogwood, or a climbing hydrangea on the wall. The coral bells become the “skirt” anchoring the composition. In front, let creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’) spill onto the path — its chartreuse leaves pick up the silver highlights in Berry Smoothie.

Woodland Garden Integration

If you have a naturalistic woodland area, tuck these Heucheras along paths, at the base of trees, or beside logs and rocks. They look like they belong. Plant in loose, irregular groupings. Mix with native woodlanders: foamflower (Tiarella), wild ginger (Asarum), Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum), and ferns. Let leaf litter accumulate as natural mulch.

The key in woodland settings is soil preparation. Tree roots compete fiercely for water. Dig wide, shallow holes rather than deep ones. Amend generously. Water faithfully the first two years until the Heucheras establish their own root networks. Consider installing drip irrigation — it makes woodland gardening vastly easier.

Container Combinations

Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace are container superstars. Their mounding habit fills a pot beautifully, and the foliage looks good from April through December (or year-round in mild zones). For a sophisticated shade container, try this recipe:

• Center or back: Purple Palace (1 plant)
• Middle: Berry Smoothie (2 plants)
• Edge/trailing: Golden creeping Jenny or variegated ivy (3 plants)
• Spring accent: White or pale pink tulip bulbs planted underneath (6-8 bulbs)

Use a large pot (minimum eighteen inches) with excellent drainage. Elevate on pot feet. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize monthly April through August with dilute liquid fertilizer. In winter, move to a protected spot and water sparingly.

Rock Garden and Slope Planting

On a well-drained slope or in a rock garden, these coral bells thrive. The drainage is perfect. The stones keep roots cool. Plant in pockets between rocks, letting the ruffled leaves soften hard edges. Purple Palace looks particularly dramatic against light-colored stone. Berry Smoothie glows against dark basalt or slate.

On slopes, stagger plants diagonally across the grade to slow water runoff. Mulch with gravel or small river rock instead of bark — it stays in place better. Add spring bulbs (species tulips, dwarf daffodils) between the Heucheras for early color.

Pollinator and Wildlife Gardens

While grown primarily for foliage, the flower spikes of both varieties feed hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies. Plant them where you can watch the show — near a patio, bench, or window. The blooms last several weeks in late spring to early summer. Deadhead to encourage rebloom, but leave some spikes to set seed if you want volunteers (though seedlings will not come true to the named varieties).

Pair with other pollinator favorites that bloom at different times: columbine (spring), bee balm (summer), anise hyssop (late summer), and sedum (fall). Provide a shallow water source with stones for landing. Avoid pesticides — even organic ones can harm beneficial insects.

Common Problems and Solutions

Crown Rot: The Silent Killer

This is the number one cause of coral bell death. Symptoms: leaves yellowing from the bottom up, stems turning black at soil level, plant collapsing. Cause: soil staying too wet around the crown, often from planting too deep, heavy clay soil, or excessive mulch against the stem.

Prevention: Plant high (crown slightly above soil grade). Amend clay soil thoroughly. Use gravel mulch instead of bark in wet climates. Water at the base, not overhead. If you catch it early, dig the plant, cut away all rotted tissue to clean white crown, dust with sulfur or copper fungicide, and replant in a better-drained spot or container. Sometimes it works. Often it does not. Prevention is everything.

Heuchera Rust

Look for small orange-brown pustules on the undersides of leaves, with corresponding yellow spots on top. It is unsightly but rarely fatal. Remove and destroy affected leaves (do not compost). Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide labeled for rust if severe. Some varieties are more resistant — Berry Smoothie shows good resistance; Purple Palace is moderately susceptible.

Foliar Nematodes

These microscopic worms cause angular brown patches between leaf veins, often with a yellow halo. The patches are limited by vein boundaries — a telltale sign. There is no cure for home gardeners. Remove and destroy the plant. Do not replant Heuchera in that spot for several years. Buy from reputable nurseries that inspect for nematodes.

Sun Scorch

Brown, crispy leaf edges and faded color. Happens when plants get too much afternoon sun, especially in hot climates or during drought. Solution: move to a shadier spot (fall or early spring), increase watering, or provide temporary shade cloth during heat waves. Purple Palace is more prone to this than Berry Smoothie due to its darker leaves absorbing more heat.

Deer and Rabbit Damage

Good news: both varieties are generally deer and rabbit resistant. The fuzzy, somewhat bitter leaves are unpalatable. However, hungry animals in winter or drought may sample anything. If browsing occurs, apply repellent sprays (rotate brands to prevent habituation) or use physical barriers. Newly planted specimens are most vulnerable — protect them for the first few months.

Vine Weevil

Adult weevils notch leaf edges at night. Larvae eat roots, causing sudden wilting. Check for C-shaped white grubs in the soil around affected plants. Control: beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) applied to soil in spring and fall. Sticky traps for adults. Keep area clean of debris where weevils hide.

Propagation Methods

Division: The Reliable Standard

Division is the easiest way to propagate both Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace — and the only way to get exact clones. Do it in early spring (as new growth emerges) or early fall (four to six weeks before frost). Dig the entire clump. Wash or shake off soil. Pull apart natural divisions or cut with a clean knife. Each division needs several healthy leaves and a good root section. Replant immediately. Water well. Keep shaded for a week if weather is warm.

Mature clumps (three to four years old) yield four to six divisions. Younger plants may only give two to three. Do not divide stressed or diseased plants.

Leaf Cuttings: For the Patient Gardener

You can root individual leaves. Choose a healthy, mature leaf with a short petiole (leaf stem). Cut the petiole to about one inch. Dip in rooting hormone. Insert into moist perlite-vermiculite mix or a peat-sand blend. Cover with a clear plastic bag or dome. Place in bright indirect light. Roots form in four to eight weeks. Pot up when roots are an inch long.

Success rate is lower than division (maybe fifty percent). But it is fun and produces many plants from one leaf. Best attempted in spring or early summer.

Seed: Not for Named Varieties

Heuchera seed is tiny — like dust. It needs light to germinate. Sow on the surface of moist seed-starting mix. Do not cover. Keep at sixty-five to seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Germination takes two to four weeks. Seedlings are microscopic at first.

Here is the catch: seedlings from Berry Smoothie or Purple Palace will not look like the parents. They revert to species traits or create new combinations. If you want the exact variety, you must divide or buy tissue-cultured plants. Seed is for breeders and experimenters.

Buying Guide: Selecting Healthy Plants

What to Look For

Whether at a local nursery or a big box store, inspect before you buy. Healthy coral bells have:

• Firm, turgid leaves with no brown edges or spots
• Vibrant color appropriate for the variety (rose-pink for Berry Smoothie, deep purple for Purple Palace)
• Multiple growing points (crowns) emerging from the base
• White, fibrous roots visible at the drainage holes — not a solid mat circling the pot
• No weeds growing in the pot
• Labels that match the plant (mislabeling happens)

Avoid plants with yellowing lower leaves, mushy stems at the soil line, or a sour smell (sign of root rot). Pass on any with visible insects — check leaf undersides and crown area.

Pot Sizes and Value

Coral bells are commonly sold in quart (four-inch), one-gallon, and two-gallon pots. Quart pots are cheapest (often six to ten dollars) but take two years to reach full size. One-gallon (twelve to eighteen dollars) is the sweet spot — good root system, immediate impact, reasonable price. Two-gallon (twenty-five to forty dollars) gives instant maturity but costs more.

For a new bed, buy one-gallon pots. For filling a gap or container, quarts are fine. Mail-order nurseries often ship bare-root or in small plugs — these are economical for large plantings but need a nursery bed or pots for a season before going in the ground.

Reputable Sources

Local independent nurseries often carry regionally appropriate stock and knowledgeable staff. Specialty mail-order nurseries (like Plant Delights, Walters Gardens, or Terra Nova’s retail partners) offer the widest selection and guaranteed true-to-name plants. Big box stores are hit or miss — sometimes great plants, sometimes mislabeled or stressed. If buying there, shop early in the season when stock is fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Combination

Will Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace cross-pollinate and change color?

No. The foliage color of each plant is genetically fixed. Cross-pollination only affects seeds, not the parent plants. If seedlings appear, they will be variable, but your original plants stay true.

Can I plant them in full sun?

In zones 4-6 with consistent moisture, yes. In zones 7-9, no — afternoon sun will scorch the foliage, especially Purple Palace. Morning sun only is safer everywhere.

How fast do they spread?

Neither is aggressive. They form clumps that widen slowly — about two to four inches per year. Division every three to four years keeps them vigorous and prevents center die-out.

Do I need to cut them back in fall?

No. Leave the foliage. It protects the crown and provides winter interest. Clean up only in spring.

Can they grow under black walnut trees?

Yes. Heucheras are juglone-tolerant, unlike many shade perennials.

Why is my Purple Palace turning green?

Too much shade or too much nitrogen fertilizer. Move to brighter light (morning sun) and stop fertilizing. Color should deepen.

Conclusion: A Partnership Worth Planting

There are hundreds of coral bell varieties on the market. New ones arrive every year with wilder colors, rufflier edges, bigger leaves. It is easy to get distracted by the newest introduction. But Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace have stayed in my garden — and in my recommendations — for a reason. They work. They last. And together, they create something neither achieves alone.

The rose-pink ruffles of Berry Smoothie catching morning light. The satiny purple-black pools of Purple Palace holding shadow. The way they echo each other’s red-purple ancestry while diverging in value and texture. The hummingbirds dancing between their flower spikes in June. The foliage still looking fresh in January when the rest of the garden is brown.

Plant them eighteen inches apart in amended soil. Give them morning light and decent drainage. Mulch, water, and mostly leave them alone. In return, you get a living tapestry that asks for little and gives endlessly. That is the definition of a great garden plant. Or in this case, two great garden plants that found their perfect partner.

Your shade garden is waiting. The combination is proven. The care is simple. The reward is years of color, texture, and quiet beauty. All that is left is to dig the holes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace be grown in containers?

Yes, both varieties excel in containers. Use a pot at least 18 inches wide and deep with quality potting mix. Ensure excellent drainage and water more frequently than in-ground plants. They provide year-round foliage interest in pots.

Do these coral bells attract pollinators?

Yes, the delicate flower spikes of both varieties attract hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies in late spring to early summer. Leaving some flower spikes uncut supports pollinators.

How do I prevent crown rot in coral bells?

Plant with the crown slightly above soil level, amend heavy clay soil with compost, avoid piling mulch against stems, water at the base not overhead, and ensure excellent drainage. Crown rot is the most common cause of failure.

Will deer eat Berry Smoothie or Purple Palace coral bells?

Both varieties are generally deer and rabbit resistant due to their fuzzy, bitter-tasting foliage. However, very hungry animals may sample them, especially new plantings. Use repellents if browsing occurs.

Can I grow these coral bells under trees?

Yes, they thrive under deciduous trees with dappled light. Avoid dense evergreen shade. Tree roots compete for water, so amend soil well, water faithfully for two years, and consider drip irrigation.

How often should I divide Berry Smoothie and Purple Palace?

Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to maintain vigor and prevent center die-out. Each division should have several healthy leaves and roots. Replant immediately and water well.