Heucherella (Heucherella)
Description
× Heucherella is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the family Saxifragaceae. A hybrid of garden origin, it is the result of a cross between two distinct genera, Heuchera and Tiarella, and shows similarities to both parents. This type of intergeneric hybrid is quite rare, and is indicated by a multiplication symbol before the name. The name Heucherella is an example of a portmanteau word, a combination of the two parents' names. Heucherellas take their brilliant foliage colors from the Heuchera parents and the dark leaf patterns and cut-leaf shapes from the Tiarella parents. They are often called by their botanical name × Heucherella, but the common name in the USA is "foamy bells" because the common names of the parent plants are "coral bells", and "foam flower" respectively. Flowers may be white, pink or cream, and usually appear in spring. Heucherellas form clumps or small mounds of evergreen foliage with upright flower stalks 20–60 cm (8–24 in) long. Most heucherella prefer partial shade, though the newer strains are more sun tolerant. They prefer well-drained organic soils and regular watering. They send up new growth every year in spring. They make their best color displays in the cool seasons of spring or fall if they are of the colorful leaf type. They have few pests and diseases if grown in good soil in the proper conditions, and divided every three to four years. They can be used as ground cover underneath shrubs like dogwood or beautyberry, or in association with hostas, ferns, astilbes, coral bells, and other shade-loving perennials. Other plant associations include barrenwort, bleeding heart, Japanese painted fern, Jacob's ladder, lamium, lungwort and Solomon's seal. Heucherella can also be placed in large containers to brighten up shady areas.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum:
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Class:
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Order: Saxifragales
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Family: Saxifragaceae
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Genus: Heucherella
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