If you cross Heuchera with Tiarella you get Heucherellas! Foamy Bells, as they are commonly called, are a growing group of perennials planted mainly for their foliage effect. This variety, ‘Catching Fire’ has an impressive show in the garden with its large lime green leaves and cherry red center veining. It’s a H. villosa hybrid which means it holds up well to heat and humidity, is a vigorous grower and is hardy to Zone 4. It will grow 8-10″ high and 16-20″ wide. Most Heucherellas will hold their leaves well into the winter and only need to be cleaned up once the new growth appears in spring. They’ll tolerate full shade but for best leaf color partial shade is best (ie. morning sun, afternoon shade). Moist, well-drained soil amended with organic matter will get them off to a great start.

Good companions include Anemone ‘September Charm’, Brunnera ‘Looking Glass’ (new), Athyrium nip. (Japanese Painted Fern), Tiarella ‘Sugar and Spice’, Tricyrtis (Toad Lily), Heuchera ‘Berry Timeless’ and Chelone (Turtlehead)’Hot Lips’ (see below).

Check out all the Heuchera, Heucherella and Tiarella varieties – 26 of them!