×Heucherella 'PINK FIZZ' 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.
Pink Fizz means is an attractive foamy bells variety bred by Hans Hansen (*1960) of Walters Gardens in Michigan, USA. The name is no coincidence – this heucherella does look as if someone had opened a bottle of rosé sparkling wine right in the border. From a mound of mint‑green leaves with deep wine‑purple veining rise short, dense stems in early summer, covered with pink buds that open into soft, clear pink flowers. When enough of them appear at once, they create the effect of tiny sparkling bubbles floating above the foliage. The leaves are deeply lobed, with cut‑outs reminiscent of biscuit cutters, and thanks to the tiarella influence they have a finer outline than classic heucheras. Yet they retain the firmness and compactness of heucheras – the clump stays low, neat and decorative even outside the flowering season. The contrast between the pale green and the dark veining remains stable even in warmer periods, a trait older heucherellas often lacked. Compared with the original hybrid genus, ‘Pink Fizz’ is more compact, with a firmer habit and a more pronounced leaf contrast. It is protected by US Plant Patent PP26947 from 2016.
‘Pink Fizz’ works best wherever a gentle yet noticeable underplanting effect is desired. Beneath shrubs, beside hostas or among ferns, its mint‑green leaves brighten any composition. In partial shade it beautifully highlights dark‑leaved heucheras, as its pattern acts as a natural counterpoint. Under shrubs with light shade, such as spiraeas or viburnums, it forms a tidy, soft carpet that keeps its shape without pruning. In containers it serves well as a middle layer – the foliage provides a firm base and the flowers add a subtle, unobtrusive touch. It is reliable even as an edging along paths, as it does not spill into the walkway and its leaves remain attractive in winter unless exposed to strong wind.
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.
Last update 17-02-2022; 08-05-2026
