Heuchera Sugar Plum

Description and Characteristics

Heuchera 'Sugar Plum' is a stunning evergreen perennial admired for its intensely frosted plum-purple foliage, compact form, and vibrant flower display. Developed for both foliage colour and floral performance, it adds elegance and contrast to borders, containers, and shaded garden areas throughout the year.

The foliage emerges in bright silvery plum tones, with a heavy silver overlay that gradually deepens to a dusky purple as the seasons progress. The leaves are broad, lobed, and slightly ruffled, forming a compact, mounded plant that brings a glowing presence even in lower-light areas.

In late spring to early summer, 'Sugar Plum' produces slender, upright stems bearing bright rose-pink flowers that hover above the foliage. These blooms are not only ornamental but also attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, making the plant a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

It typically reaches 25–30 cm tall and 35–40 cm wide, with flower stems rising to 45–60 cm, making it ideal for front-of-border planting, edging, or patio pots.

• Evergreen perennial with frosted plum-purple leaves and rose-pink flowers

• Height: 25–30 cm; Spread: 35–40 cm; Flowering height up to 60 cm

• Foliage colour deepens in winter, offering seasonal variation

• Blooms from May to July; flowers attract bees and pollinators

• Perfect for containers, shade gardens, borders, and cottage plantings

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Heuchera 'Sugar Plum' is low-maintenance, easy to grow, and well-suited for a variety of planting situations, especially where shade or colour contrast is needed. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and tolerates a range of light conditions.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows best in partial shade to dappled light

  • Tolerates morning sun, especially in cooler climates

  • Avoid strong afternoon sun in hot regions to prevent leaf scorch

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

  • Grows well in neutral to slightly acidic pH

  • Avoid overly dry or heavy clay soils—improve with grit and compost

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry or exposed conditions

  • In containers, water more frequently during warm months

• Feeding:

  • Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring for best foliage colour and bloom

  • Use liquid feed every 4–6 weeks for container-grown plants

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Remove old or damaged leaves in early spring

  • Deadhead flowers after blooming to encourage tidy growth

  • Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to rejuvenate and increase stock

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 4–9 (RHS H5–H6)

  • Semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on climate

  • In colder regions, mulch lightly to protect the crown from frost

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Design Combinations

Heuchera 'Sugar Plum' offers year-round colour and contrast, making it a valuable choice for any garden design. It is especially effective in shady borders, woodland-style gardens, or container groupings.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for edging pathways, underplanting shrubs, and seasonal planters

  • Adds structure and colour to cottage gardens, shade beds, and modern landscapes

  • Use for seasonal texture variation, especially when planted en masse

• Companion Plants:

  • Pair with Brunnera, Tiarella, Ferns, Hostas, and Pulmonaria

  • Combines well with gold or lime foliage plants like Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ or Hakonechloa macra

  • Works in contrast with silver or grey-leaved plants like Stachys byzantina or Artemisia

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for terracotta pots, decorative containers, and window boxes

  • Use peat-free compost with good drainage

  • Feed and water regularly for optimal foliage quality

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Provides nectar during the early summer gap

  • Great for pollinator-friendly and wildlife gardens

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Watch for vine weevil in pots—check roots and apply biological control if needed

  • Maintain airflow and avoid soggy soil to prevent mildew or crown rot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.