Heucheras and Heucherellas

Coral Bells and Foamy Bells

Few perennials have undergone as dramatic a "makeover" as heucheras (coral bells) and their hybrids with tiarellas (foamflowers), the heucherellas (foamy bells). Drawn mainly from diminutive forest-dwelling species with small white flowers and unremarkable foliage, these woodlanders and crevice dwellers are now among the most popular plants in nurseries around the world. Dan Heims and Grahame Ware not only provide background on the wild species of Heuchera, they also tell how these plants were developed into the garden stars they are today, with an appreciative nod to the breeders who revolutionized the plants' characteristics. The book's main feature is extensive listings of the choice selections and hybrids available commercially; practical chapters on garden care, propagation, and design uses round out this fascinating account. Gardeners looking for the drab and colorless need not trouble themselves with this book — the first ever on these striking plants.

Media reviews of this book:

"I thought I had every heuchera known to mankind, but this book has 116 pictures of assorted heucheras."

—Dulcy Mahar, Oregonian, July 7, 2005

"This detailed and lavish book is an exceptional guide to these popular flowers."

—George Cohen, Booklist, March 15, 2005

"Delivers in revving up the engines of an avid gardener and delivers substance, too."

—Chuck Robinson, Kansas City Gardener, August 2006

"Written in a breezy style, this book informs and delights."

—Biology Digest, January 2006

"A gem of a book and one that will be treasured by serious plantspeople."

—Patricia A. Taylor, Trenton Times, September 25, 2005

Customer reviews of this book:

"What a book!"

—Lucy G. from Braselton, Georgia, February 5, 2007

"I love this book! I didn't know there were so many types and colors of these plants. It is so well written."

—Michelle B. from Ames, Indiana, May 9, 2006

"Exciting — so complete. A valuable source for me."

—Janet B. from Portland, Oregon, May 4, 2006

"Very informative and interesting. Good pictures."

—Nancy E. from St. Paul, Minnesota, October 18, 2005

"Solid writing, fun, great photos. Thanks!"

—Margo S. from Vancouver, Washington, July 15, 2005

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An excerpt from this book:

It is exhilarating to have a group of plants that can do almost anything you ask of it — which might explain the popularity of Heuchera. A marginalized group of "grandmother" plants with little history and stereotypical baggage as recently as the 1980s, heucheras have risen from virtual obscurity to Top 10 prominence in the new millennium. Back in 1994, Heuchera hybrids were just beginning to makes waves in gardening circles, but it was hardly the kind of wave you could surf on. In the years since we first decided that a book focusing on the genus was needed, we have seen these plants become a staple in garden designs; we have witnessed their uses expand and their core adaptability in gardens increase ...

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