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 a variety of Heuchera and a variety of 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 (maple-like) 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.
Specific epithet means white.
'Bridget Bloom' is a compact, clump-forming perennial which features low-growing, basal clumps of hairy, toothed, 4" long, heart-shaped leaves (from the Tiarella parent) from which rise dense but airy panicles of tiny, pinkish, bell-shaped flowers (from the Heuchera parent) on wiry, leafless stems to a height of 12-18" in late spring. Repeat bloom in the fall may occur. Foliage is evergreen in warm winter climates. Developed by Alan Bloom of Bloom nurseries in England.
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 attractive foliage. Mass as a ground cover or group. Rock gardens, borders and open woodland gardens. Effective as an edger along paths or walkways.