× Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' (PBR)
ABOUT
Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' is a striking ornamental plant known for its vibrant foliage and dainty flowers. This garden hybrid typically features a rosette of leaves that boast a rich, bronze hue, which can add a touch of metallic sheen to garden beds or container displays. The leaves are shaped with a gently lobed or scalloped edge, contributing to a textured and lush appearance. Emerging from the foliage, slender stems may rise up, bearing clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers tend to be delicate and may range in color, often contrasting subtly with the bold tones of the foliage. Through the growing seasons, the leaves of Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' may shift in color intensity, displaying different shades under varying light conditions, adding dynamic interest to its surroundings. With its combination of ornamental leaves and charming flowers, Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' serves as an excellent addition to a garden looking for foliage with rich color and a hint of a metallic look. Its aesthetic makes it suitable for mixed borders, woodland areas, and as a complement to other plants in a well-designed garden space.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Foamy Bells, Heucherella
Common names
× Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Heucherella, also known as foamy bells, is not known to be toxic to humans. It is generally considered safe, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. Therefore, it is not expected that consumption would lead to symptoms of poisoning. Nevertheless, it is always advised to exercise caution and avoid eating plants not intended for consumption as individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Foamy bells is not known to be toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that this plant poses a risk of toxicity to animals such as dogs or cats if ingested. Thus, there are usually no symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant. It is always a good practice, however, to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants since they can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset simply due to the ingestion of non-food items.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-evergreen
Color of leaves
Bronze
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 8 inches (0.5 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The 'Burnished Bronze' Heucherella has a lush, bronze-colored foliage that adds a unique and ornamental aspect to any garden or landscape design.
- Long-Lasting Color: With its evergreen nature, this Heucherella variety provides year-round color, maintaining its visual appeal across seasons.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant can withstand periods of low water, which is beneficial in areas prone to drought or for water-wise gardening.
- Pest Resistance: The 'Burnished Bronze' Heucherella is generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Shade Tolerance: This cultivar can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, allowing for diverse planting in dimmer parts of the garden.
- Soil Adaptability: It adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, excluding very wet or very dry extremes, which is advantageous for planting in various soil types.
- Versatile Usage: Suitable for borders, ground cover, container gardening, or as an accent plant, offering a wide range of uses in the landscape.
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 background for photography sessions, Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' can serve as a lush, textured backdrop that complements the subject with its rich foliage.
- In creative arts and crafts, the leaves of the Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' can be used to make impressions in clay or plaster for decorative tiles.
- The plant can be utilized in educational settings, such as schools or nature centers, to teach children about plant hybridization and foliage diversity.
- Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' can be employed in culinary presentations, with its leaves used as a natural garnish for plating upscale dishes.
- During autumn, the plant can complement seasonal decor both indoors and outdoors due to its bronzy hues that match fall themes.
- In aquariums, although not an aquatic plant, dried leaves could potentially be used outside the tank to add a natural aesthetic to the surrounding area.
- The reflective and shiny surface of the 'Burnished Bronze' leaves can be a tool for light experiments in photography or art, showcasing how light plays on different surfaces.
- Bridal and event planners may use Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' as part of their table centerpieces for events that require an earthy yet elegant touch.
- Its durability in various conditions makes it a prime candidate for use in set design and staging, where plants might need to endure less-than-ideal environments.
- Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' can also serve as inspiration for designers and fabric creators looking to mimic its texture and color in textiles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Heucherella is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Heucherella is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: × Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze', commonly known as foamy bells, often symbolizes resilience due to its robust nature and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
- Enduring beauty: The 'Burnished Bronze' variety, with its attractive foliage, represents the concept of beauty that does not fade with time, much like the lasting appeal of its bronzy leaves.
- Adaptability: Foamy bells are known for their adaptability, as they can grow in different light conditions, making them symbolic for flexibility and the ability to adjust to different life situations.
- Harmony: The hybrid nature of × Heucherella, being a cross between Heuchera and Tiarella, suggests the symbolism of harmony and coming together of different elements to create something beautiful.
WaterFoamy Bells should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist but not soggy soil. Generally, this plant will thrive with about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. During hot or dry spells, water them twice a week. Use enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 4 inches, which might mean using approximately 0.5 to 0.75 gallons per plant, depending on the size and maturity of the plant. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to ensure good drainage and not to let them sit in waterlogged soil.
LightFoamy Bells perform best in partial shade to full shade. They should be placed in a spot where they are protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their delicate leaves. Bright, indirect light or dappled shade is ideal and will help the 'Burnished Bronze' variety maintain its vibrant foliage color.
TemperatureFoamy Bells thrive in temperatures that range from about 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are cold hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but they should be protected from extreme cold. During the hot summer months, ensure that they are not subjected to temperatures consistently over 85 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can cause stress to the plant.
PruningFoamy Bells should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to promote a compact, bushy growth habit. Pruning is best done in early spring before new growth begins. It can also be done after flowering to tidy up the plant. Pruning too late in the season can stimulate new growth that will not have time to harden off before winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoamy Bells 'Burnished Bronze' thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. A good soil mix for this plant can be made by combining equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. It's essential to maintain a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment for optimal growth.
RepottingFoamy Bells 'Burnished Bronze' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container. It's important to use a pot only slightly larger than the original to prevent excessive moisture retention.
Humidity & MistingFoamy Bells 'Burnished Bronze' prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions. Maintaining indoor humidity between 40-50% is generally sufficient to keep the plant healthy without the need for additional humidity measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Foamy Bells, provide bright indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, and shelter from extreme elements.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeucherella 'Burnished Bronze', commonly known as Foamy Bells, starts its life as a seed or more commonly from a division of tubers or cuttings due to its hybrid nature. After planting, the seeds or cuttings germinate or root within a few weeks, forming a rosette of leaves. Throughout the growing season, Foamy Bells flourish, expanding their clump of heart-shaped, bronze-colored foliage and sending up flower stalks with small, delicate blooms. These flowers attract pollinators, although seed production is limited as the plant is a patented hybrid (PBR indicated Plant Breeders' Rights). After blooming, the plant focuses on leaf production, maintaining its foliage through the summer and often into fall, depending on the climate. With the onset of winter, Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze' enters dormancy, with the foliage sometimes persisting but the plant's growth markedly slowing down or ceasing until the warmth returns in spring, signaling the start of a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
× Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze', commonly known as foamy bells, is a perennial plant which is usually propagated through division, and the ideal time for this task is in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. The most popular method of propagation for this hybrid is division of the root ball. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a good amount of roots are intact with each section. Gently tease apart the clumps into smaller divisions, making sure each division has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be immediately replanted into prepared soil, spaced about 15 to 18 inches apart (or approximately 38 to 45 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to establish. This method creates an almost instant new plant and is a quick way to expand your garden or share with fellow gardeners.
