Heucherella Fun and Games® 'Hopscotch'

Heucherella Fun and Games® 'Hopscotch': Red Spring Leaves on the Move

Dark red leaves in spring, bronze by summer, deep green after that. 'Hopscotch' hops from colour to colour like a kid who drew the chalk squares ITSELF and refuses to share.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: ×Heucherella hybrid
• Common Name: Foamy Bells
• Series: Fun and Games®, a Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 25–30 cm (10–12 in) in leaf; flower stems reach 51–61 cm (20–24 in)
• Spread: 51–61 cm (20–24 in)
• Flowers: Creamy white, bottlebrush-like sprays on firm, upright stems
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Deeply lobed; dark red in spring, turning bronze-red to deep green in summer
• Features: Heat and humidity tolerant
• Plant Patent: USPP 28,750 / Can 5,815

Where to Plant: Use it along the front of a shady border, as an edging plant, or as a groundcover-style mound under shrubs and small trees. It also works well in containers, and a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade suits it best.

Companion Plants: Heuchera 'Autumn Bride' is a natural partner, with taller white flower spikes from August into October that pick up after this one finishes. Uvularia grandiflora adds yellow flowers in April and May at 30 to 45 cm. Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' brings broad leaves and white flowers in June and July at 45 to 60 cm, a bold contrast to the smaller foamy bells. It all suits shade to partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in humus-rich, well-drained soil with the crown at soil level. Morning sun and afternoon shade give the best colour. Water through the first season and during dry spells. Wet winter soil is the main risk, so loosen heavy clay with compost. Mulch lightly after the ground freezes to help prevent frost heaving. Remove spent flower stems after bloom and trim old leaves in early spring. Divide in spring every few years if the clump gets crowded.

History: Hans A. Hansen bred 'Hopscotch' at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2013 cross between a Heuchera hybrid and Tiarella 'Jade Peacock'. It's part of the Fun and Games® series sold through Proven Winners®.

Final Thoughts: Firm stems, creamy flower sprays and zero babysitting required. Plant a few and let it skip around the shade bed. NO CHALK NEEDED.