Abstract: A sewing ring for implantation of prosthetic heart valves has a compliant ring member made of a plurality of cells. The ring member may be silicon rubber and the cells defined within outer walls and inner ribs. A biocompatible fabric covering surrounds at least an outer portion of the ring member, and the assembly mounts to a mechanical or tissue-type prosthetic heart valve. The ring member has a radial dimension and cross-sectional area sufficient to ensure a large coaptation area between the sewing ring and the annulus tissue so as to enable adequate attachment of the valve without load distributing devices such as pledgets. A version of the sewing ring for attachment to the mitral annulus includes a curved coaptation edge, while another embodiment for attachment to the aortic annulus has a tapered outer edge with increased radial and axial dimensions.