Perennial - Foamflower

Foamflower

Botanical Name

:

Tiarella spp.

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring or fall; blooms in spring

Sun Level

:

Partial to full shade (depending on the species and climate); prefers shade in hotter climates

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

40–65°F (4–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Hardiness Zones

:

3–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

Can be slow and uneven from seed. Division is more common

P.H. Level

:

5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid soggy soil

Fertilization

:

Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth begins

Habit

:

Clumping, spreading (by rhizomes in some species)

Propagation

:

Division (in spring or fall), sometimes by seed

Final Plant Height

:

6–12 inches

Spread

:

12–18 inches

Flowers

:

Small, delicate, white or pink flowers borne on slender stalks. The foamy appearance comes from the many stamens

Attracts

:

Bees, small butterflies

Uses

:

Ground cover, shade gardens, woodland gardens, container plantings

Companions

:

Hostas, ferns, astilbe, bleeding heart (Dicentra), lungwort (Pulmonaria)

Pruning

:

Remove faded flower stalks after blooming. Cut back any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring

Toxicity

:

Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals

Pests

:

Slugs, snails, aphids

Diseases

:

Powdery mildew, root rot (in poorly drained soil)

Confused With

:

Other woodland plants with similar flowers, such as Heuchera (coral bells) and Mitchella (partridgeberry)

Additional Info

:

Native to North America. The name “Tiarella” comes from the Greek word “tiara,” referring to the shape of the seed capsules

Botanical Name

:

Tiarella spp.

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring or fall; blooms in spring

Sun Level

:

Partial to full shade (depending on the species and climate); prefers shade in hotter climates

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

40–65°F (4–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Hardiness Zones

:

3–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

Can be slow and uneven from seed. Division is more common

P.H. Level

:

5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid soggy soil

Fertilization

:

Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth begins

Habit

:

Clumping, spreading (by rhizomes in some species)

Propagation

:

Division (in spring or fall), sometimes by seed

Final Plant Height

:

6–12 inches

Spread

:

12–18 inches

Flowers

:

Small, delicate, white or pink flowers borne on slender stalks. The foamy appearance comes from the many stamens

Attracts

:

Bees, small butterflies

Uses

:

Ground cover, shade gardens, woodland gardens, container plantings

Companions

:

Hostas, ferns, astilbe, bleeding heart (Dicentra), lungwort (Pulmonaria)

Pruning

:

Remove faded flower stalks after blooming. Cut back any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring

Toxicity

:

Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals

Pests

:

Slugs, snails, aphids

Diseases

:

Powdery mildew, root rot (in poorly drained soil)

Confused With

:

Other woodland plants with similar flowers, such as Heuchera (coral bells) and Mitchella (partridgeberry)

Additional Info

:

Native to North America. The name “Tiarella” comes from the Greek word “tiara,” referring to the shape of the seed capsules

Written by Nondiah Khalayi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nondiah-khalayi/