Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Red Rover Foamy Bells: Copper Lace for the Shadier Beds
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Red Rover foamy bells is a Heucherella, a cross between coral bells and foamflower, and its leaves are its signature. Each one is about 5 inches across and cut so deeply into narrow lobes that it looks almost like a hand. In spring the foliage is bright coppery red with burgundy centers, mellowing toward olive green as summer heats up.
In late spring, tall burgundy rose stems lift slim spikes of creamy white flowers far above the low mound.
Red Rover at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | x Heucherella 'Red Rover' |
| Foliage | Deeply lobed; coppery red with burgundy centers, turning olive green |
| Flowers | Creamy white spikes on burgundy stems 28 to 34 inches tall |
| Size | 6 to 8 inches tall, 18 to 20 inches wide |
| Bloom | Mid to late May, with scattered flowers through summer |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 9 |
| Light | Tolerates sun to full shade; best with afternoon shade |
| Deer | Moderately resistant |
Where it fits on a lavender property
Red Rover was bred to handle more heat and sun than typical foamy bells, but it still likes steadier moisture than lavender will tolerate. Rather than squeezing it into the dry lavender bed, give it a lightly shaded spot nearby: the edge of a tree line, an east-facing foundation bed or the shady end of a path that leads to your lavender.
There it pairs beautifully with green hostas and ferns, whose plain leaves make the copper lace stand out. It is also a natural transition plant between a shade garden and a sunny one. Sketch both areas in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Soil: average to fertile and well drained, kept evenly moist. Do not let the crown sit wet.
- Light: filtered sun or afternoon shade gives the richest spring color in hot summers.
- Water: steady through the first season and in dry spells.
- Spring cleanup: trim tattered old leaves and spent flower stems as new growth starts.
- Winter: hardy in Michigan. Mulch lightly after the ground freezes to prevent heaving; the semi-evergreen leaves may brown in hard winters.
Great in containers
The low, spreading habit and lacy leaves make Red Rover a strong container plant for a shaded porch. Pair it in a pot with a fern or a chartreuse hosta, use a mix that drains well and water whenever the top inch dries. Because it sets no seed, it will not sprinkle volunteers around the garden.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the leaves turn green?
That is the normal summer shift. Red Rover is copper red in spring and mellows to olive green in heat, then holds that color into winter.
Can it grow in full sun?
It can take more sun than most foamy bells if kept moist, but afternoon shade keeps it looking its best.
How is it offered?
As a full 72-cell plug tray, ideal for massing or for growers potting up their own plants. See the product page for current availability.
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