×Heucherella 'GOLDEN ZEBRA' foamy bells
Heucherella
Heucherella, foamy bells, is a unique intergeneric hybrid between the genera Heuchera and Tiarella, first successfully created by the French breeder Émile Lemoine (1862–1942) in 1912 in Nancy, where his family ran one of the most influential European nurseries of the time. Both parent genera had been scientifically described at the end of the 18th century – Heuchera by Carl Peter Thunberg and Tiarella by André Michaux. They share a North American origin but differ in habitat and morphology. Lemoine’s hybrids were initially more of a botanical curiosity, yet they laid the foundation for modern breeding, which fully developed in the 20th century. Today, × Heucherella is a recognised hybrid genus valued for its stability, reliability, longevity and year‑round foliage interest, combining traits of both parents.
Émile Lemoine (1862–1942) was one of the most prominent European breeders of the early 20th century, continuing the work of his father Victor and grandfather Jean Marie, who together built a nursery in Nancy renowned for hundreds of new cultivars. Émile himself introduced many plants still grown today: double and bicolour lilacs (Syringa vulgaris ‘Souvenir d’Alice Harding’, ‘Avalanche’, ‘Mont Blanc’), classic European peonies (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Madame Émile Lemoine’, ‘Émile Lemoine’), new lines of hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’, ‘Floribunda’), hybrid deutzias (Deutzia × lemoinei) and mock oranges (Philadelphus × lemoinei). His work also influenced viburnums and other ornamental shrubs. In 1912 he created the first intergeneric hybrid Heuchera × Tiarella, establishing the basis of the genus × Heucherella and demonstrating that even seemingly distant genera can produce stable, vigorous perennials. Lemoine thus shaped not only a single plant, but the entire aesthetic of European gardens, which still rely on his cultivars.
Golden Zebra is a foamy bells variety producing attractive leaves combining two distinctly different colours. In spring their margins are bright golden yellow while centres are dark brick red, and in summer the margins turn chartreuse and centres deepen to dark maroon. Leaves are heavily lobed and remain evergreen almost all year round. In June and July rise 40-45 cm tall, thin stems producing tiny white flowers. Bred by Janet Egger from Terra Nova® Nurseries in Oregon, USA, and patented as PP22104 in 2011.
Last update 31-12-2020
Foamy bells thrive in moist, humus‑rich soil, which keeps the roots cool and prevents summer dormancy. Their condition remains stable with a fine bark mulch which protects the shallow root system and maintains even moisture. Flowering is extended not only by occasional feeding but also by regular removal of spent flower stems, while the foliage remains compact without intervention. Every two to three years, replanting into fresh soil or lightly dividing the clump restores vigour. Heucherellas tolerate moist periods well but dislike prolonged waterlogging; in heat they appreciate shaded roots and consistent watering. Thanks to the tiarella contribution they are generally more resistant to powdery mildew and rarely require chemical protection. They are reliably hardy, and in snow‑free winters a thin layer of leaves helps protect the crown from freeze–thaw cycles. A practical tip: in spring they respond best to a small dose of compost, which supports growth and flowering without the risk of over‑feeding. They are hardy to at least –34 °C (USDA zone 4) and can be grown year‑round even in outdoor containers
