× Heucherella 'Kimono'
kimono foamy bells
Garden hybrid (Heuchera × Tiarella); parent genera native to North America and East Asia
Overview
× Heucherella 'Kimono' is a low, mounding, semi-evergreen perennial reaching 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) tall with a spread of 14–18 inches (35–45 cm). This intergeneric hybrid (× Heucherella spp. = Heuchera spp. × Tiarella spp.) has deeply dissected palmate leaves 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across with 5–7 deeply pointed lobes. The leaf surface carries a silver overlay that follows the veins against a green to burgundy-green ground, producing a pale vein pattern that darkens at the margins and interveinal areas. Small airy sprays of white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers appear on 14–18 inch (35–45 cm) wiry stems from May through June, with a bloom duration of 3–4 weeks. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9. The silver patterning washes out in full sun and in deep shade; heavy, wet soils can cause crown rot; the crown heaves above soil level after 3–4 years and requires replanting.
Native Range
× Heucherella 'Kimono' is a garden hybrid. The intergeneric cross × Heucherella spp. combines Heuchera spp. (native to North America) with Tiarella spp. (native to North America and East Asia).Suggested Uses
Planted in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and containers of 2 gallons (7.5 L) or larger at 14–18 inch (35–45 cm) spacing. The silver-veined patterning reads most clearly in close-viewing positions such as path edges and container plantings. Combines with × Heucherella spp. 'Burnished Bronze' for a bronze-and-silver foliage contrast in shade. Performance declines in full sun (scorch and loss of silver pattern), heavy wet soils (crown rot), and extended drought. Periodic replanting is required as the crown heaves.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 10"
Width/Spread1'2" - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Produces small, airy sprays of white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers on 14–18 inch (35–45 cm) wiry stems from May through June. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks. Flowers are held above the foliage mound. The silver-patterned leaves are the principal visual element of the plant through the season.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pink; small bell-shaped flowers in airy sprays on 14–18 inch wiry stems; May–JuneFoliage Description
Silver vein overlay against a green to burgundy-green ground; deeply dissected palmate with 5–7 pointed lobes; 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across; vein-pattern contrast is strongest in bright indirect lightGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained loam at pH 5.5–7.0. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Morning sun with afternoon shade produces the strongest silver vein contrast; full shade produces less contrast and full sun scorches the leaves and washes out the silver pattern. Heavy, wet soils can cause crown rot; dry soils cause leaf scorch. Water during dry periods; drought tolerance is low once established. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring when the crown heaves above soil level, replanting the divisions at the original depth.Pruning
Cut spent flower stems back to the base after bloom. Trim winter-damaged foliage in early spring as new growth emerges. When the crown heaves above the soil surface after 3–4 years, lift and replant at the original depth or topdress with humus-rich soil.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons