Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

Why this current infatuation with plum? Probably one of the reasons is that it is new - new that is, since Victorian times, so it is actually a revival. All these combinations of red, blue and black impart a psychological feeling of richness. As a design element, plum adds depth and weight to garden colour schemes. Its popularity is sure to persist though, as it looks great with so many other colours. Plum looks fabulous with soft pinks, yellows, white, silver or lime green. It is dramatic with deep violets or pinks. Surprisingly, it is also a great accent in hot colour schemes where strong gold, orange or scarlet are used.

The plum accent has been creeping into many of my gardens. First, there was a bit in the silver garden, in the form of Rosa rubrifola, Heuchera Pewter Veil and Sedum Vera Jameson. Then I experimented in the new peach-coloured garden with the foliage of Sedum Hester and Heuchera Can Can. I discovered it looked terrific in the hot border, in the huge leaves of the canna lilies, purple-leafed basil, the lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata), and the red-leafed fountain grass (Pennisetum setacetum Rubrum) among many others.

This garden isn't just about flowers though. My top perennial for the plum border is Heuchera Plum Pudding. This marvelous confection has deep, shiny plum coloured leaves without any overlays. Tall Sedum maximum Atropurpureum lends a succulent effect, and the beet-coloured veins of bloody sorrel (Rumex sanguineus ssp. sanguineus) make a colour echo. Penstemon
Husker Red is still here, but not for long. The early burgundy foliage turns to green as summer wears on and the plant then becomes unremarkable. (http://www.centrecommons.com)

Growing and Maintenance Tips

'Plum Pudding' grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil in full to partial shade. Foliage is more distinct in shade, but can be grown in full sun if adequate moisture is provided. Susceptible to frost heave due to shallow root depth. Mulching around the crown can prevent this. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
May be raised by seed as well but most likely truer to cultivar if obtained vegetatively. Deadhead to extend flowering season. Use as an edging plant in perennial beds, understory planting or to add interest to the woodland garden. Also does well in containers.