Foamy Bells × Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' (PBR)
ABOUT
× Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' is a striking ornamental garden plant known for its foliage that blends both aesthetic appeal and contrast. The leaves are the standout feature, displaying an eye-catching pattern that is reminiscent of a zebra's stripes. Each leaf is heart-shaped, with a textured surface that adds a tactile dimension to its visual beauty. The foliage presents a bold tapestry of colors, primarily displaying a bright golden-yellow background that serves as a canvas for deep red to maroon markings which radiate from the center of the leaf and stretch outward towards the edges in a dramatic veining pattern. The contrast between the warm golden tones and the deep red hues creates an exotic appearance that can draw the eye from a distance. Throughout the seasons, the leaves may exhibit changes in intensity and hue, adding dynamic interest to garden spaces. The plant produces delicate flowers as well, which rise above the foliage on slim stems, but it is the unique patterned foliage that remains the central attraction. The blossoms provide a soft textural contrast to the bold leaves, typically appearing in subtle shades that do not compete with the striking leaves for attention. Overall, 'Golden Zebra' exudes a tropical flair and can be a visually stunning addition to garden designs, containers, and mixed borders, bringing light and vibrancy to the landscape with its unusual and artistically patterned leaves. Its distinctive look makes it a popular choice among gardeners looking to make a statement with their plant selections.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Foamy Bells, Golden Zebra Foamy Bells.
Common names
× Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The Foamy Bells is generally not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many ornamental plants, it is not intended for ingestion and doing so may potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. If any part of the plant is ingested and adverse symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Foamy Bells is not commonly listed as a toxic plant for pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingesting the plant might result in mild gastrointestinal upset, but overall, it is not expected to cause serious harm to pets. If a pet consumes any part of the plant and negative symptoms develop, a veterinarian should be consulted.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' provides striking foliage with its yellow and green variegated leaves, adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in partial shade, making it suitable for gardens with limited sunlight.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and pruning.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for regions with sporadic rainfall.
- Compact Size: With its small stature, it fits well in container gardens, borders, and small spaces without overcrowding.
- Seasonal Interest: In addition to its year-round foliage, it produces delicate flowers that can add interest throughout its blooming season.
- Habitat Friendly: The flowers can attract butterflies and other pollinators, fostering local biodiversity.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it a robust choice for various climate zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft Projects: The bright foliage of Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' can be used to create nature-inspired craft projects such as bookmarks, greeting cards, or in scrapbooking to add a touch of natural beauty.
- Educational Tool: With its distinct patterned leaves, this plant can serve as an example in educational settings to teach about hybridization, plant genetics, and variegation.
- Art Inspirations: Artists can use the unique coloration of the Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' leaves as inspiration for paintings, textiles, or other artistic creations.
- Photography Subject: The striking appearance of the plant makes it a fantastic subject for photography, particularly macro photography focused on patterns and textures in nature.
- Theater and Film: Used as part of set designs for stage plays or movies to create a lush, vibrant background or to enhance the aesthetics of a fantasy or garden scene.
- Color Theme Gardens: It can be used to establish a specific color theme in a garden, for instance, a "gold and green" themed area, alongside plants with similar colorations.
- Culinary Presentation: The leaves can serve as a decorative garnish for plating dishes, though they are not edible, adding a splash of color to culinary presentations.
- Fashion Design: The contrasting colors of the leaves can inspire fashion designers for textile patterns and color combinations in clothing lines.
- Eco-friendly Ornamentation: During holidays or events, instead of using synthetic decorations, branches and leaves of Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' can be used as a more sustainable decor option.
- Container Gardening: This plant can be grown in unique, decorative containers and used as a piece of living decor in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Foamy Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Foamy Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty in Diversity: The Heucherella 'Golden Zebra', also known as Foamy Bells, is a hybrid plant that showcases distinctive foliage with deep green and bright yellow patterns. Its bold variegation symbolizes the beauty that arises from diverse elements combining to form something unique.
- Radiance and Energy: The lively golden stripes on its leaves evoke a sense of radiance and vitality, making the plant a symbol for positive energy and a vibrant life force.
- Adaptability: As a hybrid, Foamy Bells symbolize adaptability and resilience, demonstrating the plant's ability to thrive in various environments and conditions.
- Innovation: The cross-breeding that resulted in the Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' connotes human creativity and the innovative spirit needed to create something new and beautiful.
WaterFoamy Bells should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water approximately once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons, depending on the size of your plant and environmental conditions. In hot, dry periods, you might need to water more frequently. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter when the plant is not actively growing. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightFoamy Bells thrive in partial shade to full shade. They are ideal for spots that receive morning sunlight with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing them in areas with direct, harsh afternoon sun as this can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureFoamy Bells prefer a temperature range between 60°F and 80°F, which are typical conditions for many indoor environments. They can tolerate temperatures down to 30°F, but exposure to temperatures below this can damage the plant. Always ensure they're protected from frost and extreme temperature fluctuations for optimal growth.
PruningFoamy Bells benefit from pruning to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to encourage bushier growth. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for more substantial pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoamy Bells 'Golden Zebra' prefers well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix might consist of one part garden soil, one part peat moss or coco coir, and one part perlite or vermiculite to ensure aeration and drainage. Regular organic matter addition will benefit plant health and foliage vibrancy.
RepottingFoamy Bells 'Golden Zebra' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer to give the plant time to establish in its new pot before the winter.
Humidity & MistingFoamy Bells 'Golden Zebra' thrives at average room humidity levels, around 40-60%. If the air is too dry, especially in winter months, use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to increase the humidity around the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Foamy Bells 'Golden Zebra' needs bright, indirect light and regular watering indoors.
Outdoor
Foamy Bells 'Golden Zebra' requires partial shade and well-draining soil outside.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeucherella 'Golden Zebra' begins its life as a seed, sown in well-drained soil preferably in late winter or spring. Once germinated, it grows into a young plant with distinctive foliar patterns, featuring deep green leaves with bright yellow or gold markings. The plant reaches maturity within a couple of years, during which it forms a clumping habit with semi-evergreen foliage, showing more resilience as it establishes. Throughout spring or early summer, mature Heucherella 'Golden Zebra' produces delicate, white or light pink flowers on slender stems that rise above the foliage, attracting pollinators. After the blooming period, it enters a phase of maintenance, where deadheading can encourage further blooms and maintain plant vigor. Finally, as temperatures drop in fall, the plant enters dormancy, with foliage dying back, only to re-emerge with the return of warmer spring weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular way to propagate × Heucherella 'Golden Zebra', commonly known as Foamy Bells, is through division. This is best done in spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. The process involves carefully lifting the entire plant out of the ground with a shovel or garden fork and then using a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into several pieces. Each section should have a good amount of roots and at least one or two shoots. The new divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 15 inches (38 centimeters) apart, to allow enough room for growth. After planting, water thoroughly to help establish the new Foamy Bells plants.
