Tiarella cordifolia (Foam Flower)
Tiarella cordifolia (Foam Flower) is a stoloniferous herbaceous perennial forming a lush clump of semi-glossy, heart-shaped leaves, 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm), consisting of 3 to 5 lobes. Evergreen in mild winter climates, the foliage displays burgundy variegation along the veins, particularly in the spring and fall, and may turn completely reddish bronze during the winter.
Tiarella cordifolia (Foam Flower) is a stoloniferous herbaceous perennial forming a lush clump of semi-glossy, heart-shaped leaves, 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm), consisting of 3 to 5 lobes. Evergreen in mild winter climates, the foliage displays burgundy variegation along the veins, particularly in the spring and fall, and may turn completely reddish bronze during the winter. In late spring, charming pink-tinged flower buds gracefully change into starry, creamy white flowers on 3-4 in. long racemes (7-10 cm). Borne atop erect stems well above the foliage, their floral show lasts about 6 weeks. Foam Flower is stoloniferous and quickly forms large colonies. A great choice as a groundcover for shaded areas.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm).
- Performs best in cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade or full shade. Protect from excessive winter wet.
- A pretty addition to beds and borders, woodland gardens, cottage gardens. Great as a groundcover or underplanting shrubs and roses.
- Remove stems of faded flowers and dead leaves.
- Generally pest and disease free. Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in spring.
- Native to eastern North America (Nova Scotia, Appalachian Mountains to Alabama West to Minnesota).
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 7 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Tiarella – Foam Flowers |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early)Fall |
| Height | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |