Culture
Best grown in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Performs well in full sun in the north, but prefers some shade (particularly in the heat of the afternoon) in the south. In the St. Louis area, best foliage color may occur in sun dappled areas or sunny spots with some afternoon shade. Scorch and general foliage decline usually occur if soils are allowed to dry out. If grown in full sun, consistent moisture is particularly important. Remove stems of faded flowers to encourage additional bloom. Foliage is essentially evergreen in warm winter climates, but the amount of retained foliage color in cold winter climates such as St. Louis depends in large part upon the severity of the temperatures. In cold winter climates, a winter mulch applied after the ground freezes will help prevent root heaving. Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years.
Noteworthy Characteristics
BRESSINGHAM BRONZE is a clump-forming, coral bells cultivar that features dark, metallic bronze foliage with contrasting white summer flowers. It most closely resembles H. micrantha var. diversifolia 'Purple Palace', but is primarily distinguished therefrom by having larger, stronger-ribbed leaves that are a deeper purple-bronze. Foliage typically forms a basal mound to 12-20" tall and as wide. Foliage typically retains good color throughout the growing season. Tiny, bell-shaped, white flowers borne in open, airy panicles appear in summer on slender, wiry stems rising above the foliage mound to as much as 28" tall. BRESSINGHAM BRONZE was discovered by Blooms of Bressingham in 1986 and was subsequently introduced under the cultivar name of 'Absi'. U. S. Plant Patent PP08,858 was issued on August 9, 1994.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Frost heaving of roots may occur when winter temperatures fluctuate widely. Good resistance to powdery mildew.
Uses
Mass as a ground cover or plant in groups. Rock gardens, borders and open woodland gardens. Effective as an edger along paths or walkways.