Heuchera 'PINKY PANKY' coral bells

Over some twenty-odd years, coral bells have accustomed us to almost anything – chocolate‑brown foliage, lime‑green cushions and metallic sheens that shift with every change of light. Pinky Panky, however, brings something exciting that has so far been missing. This is not another “pink” heuchera, but a perennial with striking leaves with a genuinely unique marbled pattern, where soft pink tones flow across a silvery background and darker veining. The result is a surface that resembles hand‑dyed paper or decorative marble rather than a common plant. The pattern is neither flat nor static; it changes with temperature, light and leaf age, and it is precisely this variability that elevates Pinky Panky to a collector’s choice. The plant forms a compact, low clump with a regular habit; the leaves are medium‑sized, firm, only shallowly lobed and calmly layered over one another. They are not evergreen and slowly die back before winter. The flowers play a secondary role, as is common in many variegated coral bells, serving more as a gentle accompaniment than a main attraction.

The cultivar was selected in 2019 by the French breeder Diederik Alexander Maria Scheys and Pinky Panky is one of seven patented cultivars to which Scheys has contributed as an author. Since 2023 it has been protected by the US plant patent PP35000 and the European PBR registration EU 61424. In the garden, Pinky Panky performs best where it can be viewed at close range and appreciated in detail. It combines beautifully with fine‑textured grasses such as Carex or Hakonechloa, with dark‑leaved coral bells like Heuchera ‘Obsidian’, with the elegant fans of green ferns, or alongside generous clumps of liriope. This creates richness without visual chaos – we also tried hostas, but next to Pinky Panky they appear too robust and somewhat distracting.

Coral bells are hardy and mostly evergreen perennials, mainly used as ground covers, however, they are excellent companions to plants with other textures, especially when mass planted. They prefer lightly shaded locations and evenly moist, nutrient-rich soil—soil pH does not matter. With occasional watering, they can tolerate full sun, except for light-colored varieties, unless specifically bred for sun exposure. They can even grow in shade, though their colors will be less vivid. In early spring, simply trim all leaves, allowing fresh new foliage to emerge. Fertilization is not required but significantly enhances their appearance and vigour. They are hardy to approximately -34 °C (USDA zone 4) and can be grown in outdoor containers as well.

Last update 15-02-2026