Obsidian coral bells

Growing Profile

Hardiness

Zones 4a-9a

Sun

PartialShade

Soil

Loam

Water

Medium

Planting depth

Set the crown at the same level it grew in the nursery pot.

Container min

3+ gal (workable)

Goals

Curb appeal & colorPollinators & wildlife

Harvest & Use

Window

dark evergreen foliage

Output

12-28 weeks of foliage/bloom display/year

First output

1-2 yrs

Best for

Curb appeal & colorPollinators & wildlife

Timing: dark evergreen foliage. This profile tracks 12-28 weeks of foliage/bloom display/year with a harvest or display window of 12-28 weeks where defensible.

Quantitative Profile

Full output

2-3 yrs

Mature size

0.5-2 ft H x 1-4 ft W

Spacing

1-3 ft apart

Planting depth

Set the crown at the same level it grew in the nursery pot.

Container min

3+ gal (workable)

Productive life

3-10 yrs

Difficulty

1/5

Reliability

4/5

Data quality

Medium profile, No pound-yield source

Pound return is the stock-style yield metric. These are planning ranges for comparing plants, not guarantees. Cultivar, rootstock, climate, soil, pruning, pest pressure, and wildlife can move actual results.

Planting Strategy

• Planting depth: Set the crown at the same level it grew in the nursery pot.
• Container minimum: 3+ gal (workable). Use 3+ gal for establishment and size up as clumps mature.
• Start with one plant when testing fit in a new bed or container.
• Use the pairing map below to choose nearby companions or compatible varieties.

Risk Factors

• Match the site first: partial, shade light, loam soil, and medium water.
• Use 1-3 ft apart as the first spacing model; adjust for hedges, trellises, containers, or local guidance.
• Plan around mature size: 0.5-2 ft H x 1-4 ft W.
• Plan pollination or companion context before planting; nearby varieties can matter for fruit set.
• Local drainage, pests, chill hours, wildlife pressure, and microclimates can change the result.

Related Planning Guides