Foamy bells × Heucherella tiarelloides
ABOUT
× Heucherella tiarelloides, commonly known as Foamflower, is a hybrid perennial plant known for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers. The leaves of the Foamflower are typically heart-shaped or deeply lobed with distinctive veining that may be silver, bronze, or dark purple in color. Such patterns often provide a stunning contrast to the primary leaf color, which ranges from green to yellowish tones. The texture of the leaves can feel somewhat like velvet to the touch, adding to the visual interest of the plant. In terms of flowers, Foamflower produces small, feathery blossoms that appear on slender stems that rise above the foliage, creating an airy, ethereal effect in the garden. These blossoms can range in color from white to pink and have a subtle, charming appearance. They are typically clustered at the top of the stems, resembling a soft foam, which is reflective of the plant's common name. Overall, the Foamflower's combination of ornamental leaves and whimsical flowers creates a lush tapestry in shaded garden areas, often recommended for ground cover or as an accent plant in borders and woodland gardens. It is appreciated by gardeners not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its adaptability and ease of care in suitable growing conditions.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Foamy Bells, Heucherella
Common names
× Heucherella tiarelloides
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant known as Foamy Bells is not reported to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant, as it is generally considered non-toxic. Therefore, accidental ingestion should not result in any serious consequences.
To pets
Foamy Bells is not known to be toxic to pets either. It is not listed among the plants that are poisonous to dogs, cats, or other household pets. There should be no symptoms of poisoning from pets ingesting parts of this plant, and no serious health consequences are expected.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its unique and attractive foliage.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in shady areas where many other plants struggle to grow.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-effort gardening.
- Drought Resistance: Exhibits a good level of resistance to drought conditions after establishment.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest due to its evergreen nature in many climates.
- Erosion Control: Helps prevent soil erosion when planted on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Wildlife: Provides food and habitat for beneficial insects, enriching local biodiversity.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated by division, making it simple to expand plantings or share with others.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- As a natural dye: The leaves of Foamy Bells can be used to produce a subtle green or yellow dye for textiles.
- Photography backdrops: With its decorative foliage, Foamy Bells can provide an attractive background for close-up nature photography.
- Education: Schools can use Foamy Bells in botany classes to teach about hybrid plant varieties and crossbreeding techniques.
- Livestock feed: In some instances, the leaves may be used as a supplementary food source for livestock, although this is not a common practice.
- Erosion control: Foamy Bells can help stabilize soil in gardens and prevent erosion because of its dense root system.
- Insect habitat: The dense foliage can provide shelter for beneficial insects and small fauna in the garden ecosystem.
- Crafts: Dried leaves and flowers of Foamy Bells can be used in potpourri or pressed flower crafts.
- Ice cream garnishing: Edible flowers from Foamy Bells can be frozen into ice cubes or used fresh to embellish desserts.
- Visual art: Artists may use the striking leaves as templates or inspiration in printmaking, painting, or drawing.
- Seasonal decorations: The foliage and dried seed heads of Foamy Bells can be used as a natural addition to autumnal wreaths and floral arrangements.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Foamy Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Foamy Bells is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Hybrid Vitality: × Heucherella tiarelloides is a hybrid plant, symbolizing the creation of something new and vigorous through the combination of different elements.
- Diversity: Its parentage from two different species (Heuchera and Tiarella) represents the beauty and strength found in diversity.
- Adaptability: The plant's ability to thrive in a variety of conditions signifies adaptability and resilience in life's circumstances.
- Charm: The delicate and attractive flowers of × Heucherella tiarelloides symbolize charm and allure.
- Water
Foamy Bells should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil, without allowing it to become waterlogged or letting the soil dry out completely. Typically, this plant requires an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. If you need to supplement with manual watering, it's best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage root growth; this might mean providing approximately half a gallon to a gallon every week, depending on the climate and soil drainage.
- Light
Foamy Bells thrive best in partial shade, where they receive some sunlight but are protected from the harshest midday rays. Ideal conditions are under the dappled light of trees or on the north or east side of a building where they will be shielded from the intense afternoon sun. However, they can tolerate some morning sun, which can help to bring out the colors in their leaves.
- Temperature
Foamy Bells prefer a temperature range of between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum around 90 degrees Fahrenheit but don't fare well in extreme heat or cold. Consistent temperatures within this range promote healthy foliage and vibrant colors in the plant.
- Pruning
Pruning Foamy Bells is primarily done to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to enhance the plant's appearance, promoting healthier growth. The best time to prune is in early spring or after the plant has finished blooming. You should prune Foamy Bells once a year to maintain its shape and encourage new, vibrant growth.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Foamy Bells thrive best in rich, well-draining soil with a mixture of peat, compost, and perlite. Aim for a soil pH between 5.0 and 7.0 to ensure healthy growth.
- Repotting
Foamy Bells should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate growth. Spring is the ideal time for this task.
- Humidity & Misting
Foamy Bells prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable. Strive to maintain ambient humidity around 50% for optimal health.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Foamy Bells in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Position Foamy Bells in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
× Heucherella 'Stoplight' emerges in spring with fresh foliage, typically with a bright yellow to lime green color and distinctive red veining. The plant enters its vegetative growth phase, expanding its mounds of foliage and sending up stolons to spread. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, when × Heucherella 'Stoplight' produces small, airy flowers on slender stems that rise above the foliage. After pollination by insects, seeds may develop but are often sterile due to the hybrid nature of the plant. As summer progresses, the plant may enter a period of reduced growth, especially in hotter climates where partial shade and adequate moisture are necessary to prevent scorching. In autumn, the foliage often takes on additional hues before dying back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy through the winter months, surviving as a crown and root system until the cycle restarts in the subsequent spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
× Heucherella tiarelloides, commonly known as Foamy Bells, is typically propagated by division. The best time to carry out this procedure is in spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. Division involves carefully lifting the entire plant from the ground, using a sharp spade or knife to cut through the root ball, and separating it into smaller sections. Each section should have a good amount of roots and a few shoots. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation. It's crucial to water the new divisions well after planting to help establish them.