Foamy Bells × Heucherella Pink Whispers = 'Hertn042'
ABOUT
× Heucherella Pink Whispers, commonly known as Foamy Bells, is a charming perennial plant known for its ornamental appeal. This particular variety features delicate pink flowers that gently hover above the foliage on slender stems, creating a whispery, airy effect. The blooms, small and bell-shaped, contribute a soft splash of color to the garden palette. The leaves of the Foamy Bells are equally attractive and bring a rich tapestry of color throughout the growing season. They are typically heart-shaped or slightly rounded with a scalloped edge, giving them a lacy appearance. The foliage displays a captivating mix of colors, often with veins or patterns in shades that may contrast with the primary leaf color. This creates a visual texture that adds depth and interest to garden spaces. The plant forms a neat mound of foliage, which serves as an attractive base for the flowers that rise above it. Its overall appearance is one of gentle beauty, as the flowers sway with the breeze and the leaves offer a continuous show of color and form. Foamy Bells makes an excellent ground cover, border plant, or addition to a container garden, providing a touch of grace and whimsy wherever it is planted.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Foamy Bells, Heucherella
Common names
× Heucherella Pink Whispers = 'Hertn042'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Foamy Bells Pink Whispers is not known to be toxic to humans. In general, it is considered safe and does not typically cause harm if touched or accidentally ingested in small quantities. However, it is always advisable to use caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not explicitly intended for consumption. No symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant as it is not considered poisonous.
To pets
Foamy Bells Pink Whispers is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally regarded as safe for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. There is no documented toxicity or associated symptoms of poisoning with this plant, and it should not pose a risk if pets come into contact with or ingest small amounts of the plant. However, as with any non-food plant, it is still wise to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid any possible gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Heucherella 'Pink Whispers' adds a splash of color to gardens with its delicate pink flowers and attractive foliage.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with its evergreen leaves and seasonal blooms.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for a variety of garden settings including borders, ground cover, and container gardening.
- Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to many common plant diseases, ensuring a healthy garden appearance.
- 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
- Heucherella Pink Whispers can be used in a terrarium or fairy garden for a delicate touch, as its small size and subtle coloration can add a whimsical element to these miniature landscapes.
- As a photography subject, Heucherella Pink Whispers provides a soft, romantic backdrop for macro photography and artistic plant compositions.
- This plant can be used in cut flower arrangements, where foliage is needed to complement floral displays with its variegated leaves, offering a subtle textured contrast.
- Heucherella Pink Whispers can serve as an educational tool in botany and horticulture classes, illustrating hybrid vigor or the process of developing new plant varieties.
- Pressed leaf art utilizes the foliage of Heucherella Pink Whispers to create bookmarks, greeting cards, or other crafted items where the intricate leaf patterns can be showcased.
- Plant this hybrid in children’s gardens to spark interest in botany; its gentle hues and soft textures are appealing to young gardeners.
- Use Heucherella Pink Whispers as a living mulch to cover bare soil in a garden bed, improving soil moisture retention and reducing weeds.
- Incorporating Heucherella Pink Whispers in mixed container gardens can add foliage interest, with its unique coloration acting as a compliment to more vibrant flowers.
- Host plant-themed events or workshops focusing on hybrid plants, using Heucherella Pink Whispers as an example of successful crossbreeding in gardening.
- Collect the seeds of Heucherella Pink Whispers for seed swaps or as a gift to gardening friends, promoting the sharing of unique and attractive garden varieties.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant Heucherella is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Heucherella is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Grace: The dainty flowers and soft hues often represent elegance and gentility.
- Delicate Beauty: Its subtle appearance is commonly associated with refined, understated beauty.
- Femininity: The pink coloration symbolizes qualities that are traditionally seen as feminine.
- Harmony: The blend of foliage and flower colors suggests a sense of balance and peaceful coexistence.
- Water
Foamy bells should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Ideally, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might equate to approximately once a week during the active growing season. Use about one gallon per plant each time you water, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During hot, dry periods they may need more frequent watering, while in cooler or rainy climates, they may require less. Ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
- Light
Foamy bells thrive best in partial to full shade, avoiding the harsh midday sun which can scorch their leaves. An ideal spot would be under a canopy of trees or on the north or east side of a building where they receive filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. These conditions mimic their natural woodland habitat and help maintain vibrant foliage color.
- Temperature
Foamy bells are hardy in a range where the temperature typically stays between 0°F and 85°F, though they can tolerate brief periods outside this range. The ideal temperature for robust growth is between 60°F and 70°F. These plants are generally resilient to seasonal temperature fluctuations within their hardiness zones.
- Pruning
Foamy bells benefit from light pruning to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to promote bushier growth; this is best done in the spring or early summer. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, will encourage additional blooming. A more thorough cut back can be done in late fall or early winter, after the growing season ends, to tidy up the plant and prepare it for the next year's growth.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Foamy Bells thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with high organic matter. A soil mix with equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or pine bark is ideal. Maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Foamy Bells should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. The best time for repotting is in the spring or fall.
- Humidity & Misting
Foamy Bells prefer moderate humidity levels and do well in average household humidity. Aim for humidity levels between 40-60% for best results.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
× Heucherella 'Pink Whispers', commonly known as Foamy Bells, begins its life as a seed, derived from the cross of its parent plants Heuchera and Tiarella. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling, growing a rosette of leaves that are characteristic of its type, with the emergence of heart-shaped foliage patterned with pink and white whispers. The juvenile phase sees rapid vegetative growth and the establishment of the root system. As it enters maturity, Foamy Bells produces slender flower stalks in late spring to early summer, adorned with small, bell-shaped flowers that beckon pollinators and are followed by seed production if conditions allow. The plant reaches full maturity and continues to form dense clumps through vegetative reproduction and potential self-seeding, with each clump capable of lasting several years. Seasonally, Foamy Bells may die back during winter in colder regions, only to re-emerge and reinitiate its growth cycle in spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The × Heucherella 'Pink Whispers', commonly known as Foamy Bells, is commonly propagated by division, a straightforward and popular method. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. The process involves gently digging up the plant and carefully separating the crowns to create new plants, ensuring that each division has a good root system attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing, and watered thoroughly. It's crucial to maintain consistent moisture while the new divisions establish themselves, but avoid waterlogging which can lead to root rot. This method allows for a quick increase in the number of plants while maintaining the characteristics of 'Pink Whispers'.