Tiarella cordifolia (Eastern foam flower)

Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Tiarella cordifolia tee-ar-EL-lah kor-dih-FOE-lee-ah

Common Name: Eastern foam flower Genus: Tiarella

This native North American species has pale green heart-shaped leaves which develop bronze highlights in the autumn. In summer, it produces a profusion of starry white flowers on 4- to 12-inch spikes. It self-sows freely.
Noteworthy characteristics: Tiarellas are at home in moist woodland environments. In the garden they make wonderful carpets of intricate leaves in a variety of shapes and with distinct markings. For a long period from spring into summer, the profusion of foamy flowers can be appreciated up close or from a distance. Grow eastern foam flower as a groundcover or edger in a shady border or woodland garden. It is a great foil to early spring bulbs.
Care: Provide moist, rich soil in part to full shade.
Propagation: Sow seed as soon as ripe or in a cold frame in the spring. Divide the rhizomes in spring.
Problems: Rust, powdery mildew, slugs, weevils

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	6 in. to 12 in.
Spread	6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit	Spreads
Growth Pace	Fast Grower
Light	Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture	Adaptable
Maintenance	Low
Characteristics	Native; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time	Early Spring; Late Spring; Spring
Flower Color	White Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Naturalizing, Waterside
Style	Shade, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest	Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type	Perennials

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posted by mburks
5/29/2008
Region: Midwest
Zone: 5

I've had several of these in a single bed for about 4 years. They came into their own last year and really create a nice bed. They like mostly shade and when not in bloom the foilage is still attractive. The only downside is that we have a number of cottonwoods in the immediate area and in June the 'cotton' tends to collect on the blooms but it does for most of the flowers so it's not unique to the 'foam flower'. Mine have a little more bloom than what I see in these pictures. They look more like a full 'brush' than the individual 'flowers'.

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