Culture
Best grown in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Performs well in full sun in the north, but prefers some shade (particularly in the heat of the afternoon) in the south. In the St. Louis area, best foliage color may occur in sunny spots with part afternoon shade. Scorch and general foliage decline usually occur if soils are allowed to dry out. If grown in full sun, consistent moisture is particularly important. Remove stems of faded flowers to encourage additional bloom and to tidy plantings so that the attractive foliage can be fully appreciated. In cold winter climates, a winter mulch applied after the ground freezes will help prevent root heaving. Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years.
Noteworthy Characteristics
× Heucherella, commonly called foamy bells, is an intergeneric hybrid between Heuchera and Tiarella. It is generally more compact and delicate in appearance than its Heuchera parent. It is a clump-forming perennial which typically produces a compact, basal mound of rounded to lobed leaves usually with distinctive veining. Foliage clump typically rises 5-8" tall. Foliage will usually retain some color in cold winter climates such as the St. Louis area. Tiny star-shaped flowers appear in airy to dense panicles atop stems rising well above the foliage clump (typically to 15-20" tall) in late spring to mid-summer.
‘HERTN042’ is a new, pink-flowered cultivar that is being marketed as part of the Strike It Rich series. It is noted for its compact habit, light pink flowers and maple like silver-green leaves with purple veining. The true parents of this plant are unknown. This is a clump-forming perennial that forms a basal mound of foliage to 8” high. Lobed leaves are silvery green with contrasting purple veins. Tiny, pink, star-shaped flowers bloom in panicles atop erect stems rising above the foliage clump to 14” tall in late spring to early-summer. ‘HERTN042’ has apparently been sold at some point the past under the name of Heucherella ‘Pink Whispers’. U.S. Plant Patent PP16,829 was issued to Heucherella ‘HERTN042’ on July 18, 2006.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Frost heaving of roots may occur when winter temperatures fluctuate widely.
Uses
Though the flowers are attractive, heucherellas are usually grown for their showy foliage. Mass as a ground cover or group. Rock gardens, borders and open woodland gardens. Effective as an edger along paths or walkways. Showy foliage for patio and deck areas. Shade gardens. Trailers spill nicely out of hanging baskets, window boxes or other large containers.