Foamy Bells × Heucherella 'Solar Power' (PBR)
ABOUT
× Heucherella 'Solar Power' (PBR) is a striking garden plant characterized by its vibrant foliage. The leaves of 'Solar Power' exhibit a unique blend of colors, ranging from a yellowish-green to gold, often with veins or centers of a contrasting deep red to burgundy. This gives the leaves an almost mesmerizing, multicolored effect. The texture of the leaves can be described as veined and slightly puckered, adding a tactile dimension to the plant's appearance. During the flowering season, 'Solar Power' produces delicate stalks that stand above the foliage, adorned with small, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers can range in color from white to a light pink and add an airy touch to the plant's visual display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Foamy Bells, Heucherella.
Common names
× Heucherella 'Solar Power' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Foamy Bells plant (× Heucherella 'Solar Power') is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no specific information suggesting that it contains any harmful compounds that would cause poisoning if ingested. As a result, it is generally considered safe around humans with regard to toxicity. However, it is still not advisable to ingest any part of ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption and could potentially cause an upset stomach or an allergic reaction in some individuals.
To pets
Foamy Bells (× Heucherella 'Solar Power') is also not known to be toxic to pets. There is no widespread documentation of pets being poisoned by ingesting this plant, and it is not listed as a toxic plant by major pet-poison-control resources. Therefore, it's considered to be relatively safe for pets. However, as with humans, it's best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or unforeseen allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30.48 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45.72 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Adds vibrant color and interesting foliage texture to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance - Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for a variety of gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance - Can withstand periods of dry weather, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Pest Resistance - Generally resistant to many common garden pests, decreasing the need for pesticides.
- Disease Resistance - Shows resilience against a number of common plant diseases.
- Attracts Pollinators - Flowers can attract bees and butterflies, benefiting the local ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest - Offers year-round interest with evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, depending on the climate.
- Versatility - Suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and woodland gardens.
- Easy Propagation - Can be easily propagated, allowing gardeners to create more plants for other areas or to share.
- Non-Invasive - Unlike some garden plants, it does not aggressively spread, reducing the risk of it taking over garden spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creating a living mulch: Heucherella 'Solar Power' can be used as a ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds in garden beds or under taller plants.
- Edging paths and walkways: Its colorful foliage and low-growing habit make it an excellent choice to line paths, adding aesthetic appeal to your garden design.
- Container gardening: This versatile plant can be grown in pots or hanging baskets, adding a pop of color to patios, balconies, or any outdoor space.
- Accentuating rock gardens: The textural contrast of Heucherella 'Solar Power' against rocks and gravel can create a stunning visual impact in rock garden settings.
- Highlighting water features: Planting Heucherella 'Solar Power' near ponds or fountains can complement the water elements with its vibrant foliage.
- Crafting living wreaths or table runners: Its leaves can be incorporated into living wreaths or table runners for green events or eco-friendly decoration.
- Pressing for botanical art: The attractive leaves can be pressed and used in botanical artworks or herbarium collections.
- Aiding in erosion control: When used on slopes or banks, Heucherella 'Solar Power' can help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the ground with its root system.
- Attracting beneficial insects: While not known for its flowers, Heucherella 'Solar Power' can still attract pollinators and beneficial insects that contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Photography: Its unique foliage and the interplay of light and shadow make Heucherella 'Solar Power' a captivating subject for garden photographers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant × Heucherella 'Solar Power' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant × Heucherella 'Solar Power' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Heucherella 'Solar Power' is a hybrid plant known for its durability and ability to thrive in varying conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand difficulties and bounce back.
- Versatility: This plant can adapt to both sun and shade, representing adaptability and the capacity to thrive in diverse environments.
- Renewal: With its perennial nature, Heucherella represents the cycle of growth and renewal, as it comes back each year with vibrant foliage.
- Energy: The name 'Solar Power' suggests a connection to the energy and vitality of the sun, embodying a sense of liveliness and dynamism.
- Innovation: As a hybrid, Heucherella 'Solar Power' symbolizes human ingenuity and the successful blending of qualities from different sources to create something new and improved.
WaterFoamy Bells require consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. It is best to water them deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant. During hot and dry periods, the frequency may increase to twice a week. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Adjust the amount of water according to the weather conditions and the plant's growth stage, but always aim to keep the soil evenly moist without saturation.
LightFoamy Bells flourish in partial shade, where they can receive morning sunlight and afternoon protection. The ideal spot for these plants is under the filtered light of taller trees or on the north side of a building, where they can avoid the harsh direct sunlight of midday. They can tolerate some more sun in cooler climates, but in warmer areas, it's important to ensure they are shielded during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureFoamy Bells do best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for many temperate gardens. Avoid exposing the plants to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods, as this can cause stress and damage to the plant.
PruningFoamy Bells benefit from occasional pruning to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune the plants in early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage from the previous season. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers can promote new blooms. Pruning is also an opportunity to manage the size of the plant and ensure it does not overcrowd its space.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Foamy Bells 'Solar Power' prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter, a mix of peat, pine bark, and perlite or sand works well. Aim for a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
RepottingThe Foamy Bells 'Solar Power' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingFoamy Bells 'Solar Power' does well in average room humidity, avoiding extremely dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and ensure well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Part shade to full sun, mulch, and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycle× Heucherella 'Solar Power' (PBR), also known as Foamy Bells, starts its life as a seed, although commercially it is more often propagated by tissue culture or division. Once germinated or sufficiently matured from propagation, it enters the vegetative stage where it develops its distinctive foliage, often with a net-like veining of dark colors against a golden or yellow-green background. As it matures, Foamy Bells produce slender flower stalks that rise above the foliage, blooming with small, bell-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer. After the blooming period, if pollination occurs, the plant may produce viable seeds. As a perennial, after the flowering stage, it will go dormant in winter, especially in colder climates, before re-emerging from its root system in spring. Throughout its life cycle, Foamy Bells will continue to grow and spread, often needing division every few years to maintain vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
× Heucherella 'Solar Power', commonly referred to as foamy bells, is typically propagated through division. This method is most successful when performed in early spring or late fall as these are the periods when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant ensuring a good amount of roots are attached to each section. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before and water thoroughly. It is crucial to maintain even moisture for the new divisions until they are well established. This approach is appreciated for its simplicity and effectiveness in maintaining the characteristics of the parent plant.
