Foamflower, a low-growing perennial, boasts frothy white flowers and attractive foliage when planted in dappled shade.
Tiarella cordifolia, commonly called foamflower,is a close cousin tocoral bells, another popular shade garden plant.
Foamflower blossomsmost commonly found in shades of pink and whitetypically last four to six weeks.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
However, after the blooms fade, the dark green foliage makes an attractive backdrop for other plants.
The numerous species of foamflower are either clumping or trailing/spreading.
The trailing throw in makes an exceptional groundcover plant that can be divided to spread among the garden.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
As these plants grow, they create long runners that put down roots wherever they touch the soil.
This growth habit creates dense mats of foliage that help prevent weeds.
Foamflower Care Tips
Foamflower is easy to cultivate, with several species native to the United States.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
Such placement encourages vibrant foliage and ample blooming.
Light
Foamflower plants love full shade and partial shade but can tolerate a little morning sun.
If the soil remains too wet, especially during winter, the foamflower will likely rot.
Credit: Jay Wilde
The plant thrives best in consistent temperatures between 40F and 60F.
As a perennial, the plant dies back when temperatures drop.
you’ve got the option to move them back outside after the danger of frost has passed.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
For the best results, use the freshest possible seeds and plant them in the ground right away.
Types of Foamflower
Foamflower has experienced developments, including its ability to cross-breed with coral bells.
Among foamflower hybrids are many varieties that can be used as container plants with lush foliage and trailing stems.
Credit: Andre Baranowski
Elizabeth Oliver Foamflower
TiarellaElizabeth Oliver makes substantial low clumps of deeply lobed leaves streaked with red veining.
Its spires of pink buds open blushing white.
It grows to 15 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 4-8.
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Heronswood Mist Foamflower
TiarellaHeronswood Mist bears white- and pink-specked foliage on 15-inch-tall plants.
It is hardy in Zones 4-8.
Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in a wide assortment of colors.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
They also add height, heft, and charm to a border.
Like foamflower plants, phlox needs amply moist soil for the best overall health.
Either will add interest and texture to your shady spots.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Closely related to each other, Japanese painted fern and lady fern are sometimes crossbred to create attractive hybrids.
Unlike most ferns, these toughies tolerate dry soil and some sun if they have ample water.
While its hanging bells are its most charming trait, Solomons seal foliage turns a mesmerizing gold in fall.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Bluebell
To come acrossbluebellsin bloom in the woods is a dream.
Bluebells are among the most revered wildflowers, perhaps because their beauty is so fleeting.
Arranged in clusters, the tubular clear-blue flowers flare at the mouth and open from pink buds.
Lance-shaped foliage emerges purplish-brown but becomes a medium green before going dormant after bloom time.
The tree also provides shelter for shade-loving plants like foamflower, astilbe, and impatiens.
Frequently Asked Questions
While foamflower spreads via underground runners, the plant is not considered invasive.
No, foamflower is not considered toxic to humans or pets.
The plant is safe to grow in areas where children, dogs, and cats play.
Whether or not you should comes down to personal preference.
If you prefer a tidier look, go ahead and cut them back.
It is unlikely to impede the return of your foamflower in the spring.
