Foamy Bells × Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise' (PBR)
ABOUT
× Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise' (PBR) is an aesthetically striking plant known for its foliage that provides a colorful display in a garden. The leaves are a combination of various vibrant shades. In the spring, the foliage emerges with a bright golden hue with red veins, creating a stunning contrast that catches the eye. As the seasons progress into summer and fall, the leaves transform into a more greenish-gold with a hint of red veins still present, exhibiting a dynamic change in its color palette that brings interest throughout the growing season. The texture of the leaves is also noteworthy, with a gently lobed contour that adds a soft, intricate look to the overall silhouette of the plant. Accompanying the showy leaves, it produces delicate white flowers that float above the foliage on slender stems, adding a touch of whimsy to its appearance. These blooms emerge during the warmer months, offering a light, airy complement to the robust leaves below. Overall, × Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise' (PBR) is a charismatic and colorful choice for adding vibrant leafy interest in shaded garden areas without referencing its specific size dimensions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Foamy Bells, Heucherella
Common names
× Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Heucherella is not known to be toxic to humans; therefore, it is generally considered safe around adults and children. Ingesting any part of this non-toxic plant is unlikely to cause poisoning symptoms or harmful consequences.
To pets
Heucherella is also not known to be toxic to pets; it is commonly considered safe for cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of this non-toxic plant should not lead to poisoning symptoms or adverse health effects in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive foliage: The plant features colorful leaves that add visual interest to garden spaces throughout the growing season.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it is fairly resistant to short periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Shade tolerance: It can thrive in partial to full shade, making it suitable for garden areas that receive limited sunlight.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Pest and disease resistance: The plant has natural resistance to many common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Seasonal interest: In addition to its foliage, it produces delicate flowers that can add to its decorative appeal in the garden.
- Ground cover: Its growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and stabilize the soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves of the Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- In terrariums: This plant can be used in terrarium gardens due to its small size and attractive foliage, adding a touch of color and texture to miniature landscapes.
- For temporary ground cover: In events like weddings or garden parties, 'Alabama Sunrise' can provide quick, decorative ground cover that can last for the duration of the event.
- In mixed containers: Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise' is often used in mixed container plantings for its interesting foliage that complements flowering plants.
- As a natural pest deterrent: The plant can be placed in gardens to help deter certain pests, though it is not as well-known for this property and effectiveness may vary.
- In crafting: Pressed leaves of the Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise' can be used in crafting for creating botanical prints, cards, or bookmarks.
- In educational settings: This plant can be used to teach children about plant biology and hybridization, as Heucherella is a hybrid plant created from two different parent species.
- In culinary presentation: While not edible, its striking foliage can be used as a decorative accent on food platters or as a natural garnish (not to be consumed).
- Photography prop: The unique appearance of the 'Alabama Sunrise' makes it an excellent subject or backdrop in plant photography and macro photography.
- For miniature fairy gardens: Its colorful foliage makes it a popular choice for creating whimsical fairy gardens, both indoors and outdoors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Heucherella is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Heucherella is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise' is a hybrid plant (a cross between Heuchera and Tiarella). Its ability to blend the characteristics of two different species speaks to its symbolic representation of adaptability and versatility in various conditions.
- Renewal: Known for its foliage that changes color with the seasons, this plant symbolizes renewal and the idea that life can bloom afresh under the right circumstances.
- Resilience: As a hardy perennial that can thrive in a range of environments, Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise' represents resilience and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Beauty in Diversity: The varied colors of the leaves throughout different times of the year celebrate diversity and the beauty found in uniqueness.
- Survival: This plant's capability to survive in both shade and partial sun signifies survival and the ability to thrive in less-than-ideal situations.
WaterFoamy bells should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, typically from spring to fall, water them once or twice a week with approximately 1 gallon per week, depending on the climate, weather, and soil drainage. It's crucial to ensure the top inch of soil dries out slightly before the next watering to prevent root rot. In winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.
LightFoamy bells thrive best in partial shade to filtered sunlight. They can tolerate morning sun but should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. The ideal spot for them is one that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day, such as the dappled light beneath tall trees or on the north side of a building.
TemperatureFoamy bells prefer a temperature range between 60°F and 80°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 30°F, as they are relatively cold hardy, and a maximum temperature of approximately 90°F, but prolonged exposure outside these ranges can stress the plant. Ideally, keep them in environments where night-time and day-time temperatures are within these limits for best performance.
PruningPrune foamy bells to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to promote bushier growth. The best time for pruning is in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering. Pruning should be done sparingly, as foamy bells do not require extensive cutting back. Removing old flower stems after blooming also helps to maintain a tidy appearance and may encourage a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeucherella 'Alabama Sunrise', commonly known as Foamy Bells, thrives best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix can be made by combining equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage and aeration. Regular amendment with compost will help maintain soil fertility.
RepottingFoamy Bells should generally be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to refresh the soil. If the plant shows signs of slowed growth or roots emerging from the bottom of the pot, it may indicate that it's time to repot.
Humidity & MistingFoamy Bells prefer average to slightly above average humidity levels. Maintaining indoor humidity between 40% to 50% is ideal for this plant, which can typically be achieved in most home environments without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycle× Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise', commonly known as Foamy Bells, starts its life cycle from a seed or more commonly from division, where a piece of the root system is replanted to grow a new plant. Once established, it enters a vegetative stage in which its distinctive foliage develops, often showing vibrant color changes through the seasons—from gold in spring to green in summer and to red in fall. During late spring to early summer, the plant sends up slender stems that bear small, delicate flowers attractive to pollinators. After blooming, if seeds are produced, they may fall to the ground and germinate to begin a new generation, although many gardeners propagate Foamy Bells by division for better control over cultivar characteristics. As a perennial, after the growing season, it will enter dormancy, with foliage dying back in colder climates, to survive the winter. The following spring, the plant will re-emerge from its rootstock to complete its cycle again, often growing larger and fuller with each passing year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating × Heucherella 'Alabama Sunrise', commonly known as Foamy Bells, is by division. This is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, the gardener should gently lift the plant from the ground with a shovel, taking care not to damage the root system. Once out of the ground, the clump should be separated into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These individual divisions can then be replanted into a prepared soil mix at the same depth they were originally growing. Care should be taken to water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations.
