Foamy Bells
Heucherella
Foamy Bells blooms from May through June.
This entry comes from our curated library and has not yet been independently checked against outside sources. Curated is not unreliable: a standing audit keeps every entry internally consistent, and the source-by-source check is working through the whole library in the open.
Growing Foamy Bells
Plant it in part shade. It prefers moderate water. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Expect it to reach about 12 in tall and 1.3 ft wide at maturity, in roughly 2 years.
When to plant Foamy Bells
Plant Foamy Bells in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in early fall at least six weeks before your first frost, so roots establish in cool weather. For the middle of its hardy zones 4 to 9 range, spring means March to May and fall means August or September. Once settled, it blooms from May to June.
Month-by-month timing for your zone is on the planting calendar: for the middle of its range, start with zone 6 in March.
Good to know about Foamy Bells
Curated from university extensions, botanic gardens and other primary sources, with the source named on every note.
Worth knowing
A cross between coral bells (Heuchera), grown for colorful leaves, and foamflower (Tiarella), grown for airy flowers. It marries one's foliage to the other's flowering. per NC State
How much sun
Most need afternoon shade in heat to protect foliage. In cooler climates, and with dark-leaved or Heuchera villosa cultivars, they take more sun. Morning sun, afternoon shade suits nearly all. per NC State and Arkansas
Evergreen or semi-evergreen
Leaf retention depends on climate. In mild-winter regions it is evergreen; in cold-winter regions it is semi-evergreen to deciduous. Either way the crown persists rather than dying to the ground. per NC State and Arkansas
Overwatering is the top killer
The leading way to lose it is root and crown rot from overwatering and poor drainage; winter wet in heavy soil is worst. Set the crown high, drain sharply. per NC State and UT Gardens
Shallow crown heaves in winter
Its shallow crown can heave up in winter freeze-thaw. After the ground freezes, mulch with straw or evergreen boughs, and firm or replant any lifted crowns in early spring. per Wisconsin and NC State
Deer resistant
Rated deer resistant. Like coral bells, tannins in the leaves make them unappetizing to deer and rabbits, so browsing pressure is low, though very hungry wildlife may still sample it. per NC State
Sterile: increase by division
The hybrids are mostly sterile, so they set no viable seed and do not self-sow. That keeps them tidy, but named cultivars must be increased by division, not seed. per NC State and Arkansas
What pairs well with Foamy Bells
Good companions share its growing conditions and add something it lacks: an earlier or later bloom, a lower carpet in front, or structure through winter.
Hellebore
Shares part shade and moderate water; blooms in late winter, before this one opens; evergreen, so the bed keeps its shape through winter; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Cardinal Flower
Takes part sun to part shade and moderate to high water; blooms in midsummer as this one finishes; both offer pollinator forage, in different months; taller at 3.3 ft, for the layer behind it.
Northern Sea Oats
Shares part shade and moderate water; blooms in midsummer as this one finishes; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; taller at 3.3 ft, for the layer behind it.
Summersweet
Shares part shade and moderate to high water; blooms in midsummer as this one finishes; both offer pollinator forage, in different months; taller at 5.9 ft, for the layer behind it.
Camellia
Shares part shade and moderate water; blooms in midwinter, before this one opens; evergreen, so the bed keeps its shape through winter; stands well above at 6.6 ft, a canopy to plant beneath.
Azalea
Shares part shade and moderate water; opens in mid spring and overlaps into this one's season; evergreen, so the bed keeps its shape through winter; taller at 3.9 ft, for the layer behind it.
Monkshood
Takes part sun to part shade and moderate water; blooms in late summer, extending the bed's season; taller at 3.9 ft, for the layer behind it; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Windflower
Takes part sun to part shade and moderate water; blooms in early spring, before this one opens; lower at 6 in, for the front of the border; a soft color beside the pink.
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