As Heuchera have become popular with gardeners and landscapers alike, so too have Heucherella. These are a sterile cross between Heuchera (for the foliage) and Tiarella (for the flowers). They have been given the common name of Foam Bells and are another great addition to the garden. They do not exist in the wild and were first bred by Blooms of Bressingham in 1955. Since then there have been several new forms released after intensive breeding by Blooms, Terra Nova and the Primrose Path.
'Sunspot' makes a stunning 1m wide clump of electric yellow leaves each with a blood red splash in the centre. These turn a soft straw gold in late spring and summer with the bright pink flowers in mid spring. The flowers perform well as cut flowers giving color in the garden and the house.
Heucherella are easy to grow preferring part shade in a cool spot with some summer moisture. Cut away the spent flower heads in late summer (it will re-flower) and feed with Osmocote Slow Release fertilizer. Plant with purple leaved Heuchera and Tiarella for an attractive blend of foliage color or with Hosta,Thalictrum and Geranium for a mixture of form and flowering times.
