Genus Tiarella (Foam flower)

Tiarella Tiarella 'Neon Lights' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries
tee-ar-EL-lah Common Name: Foam flower
Plants in the genus Tiarella are at home in moist woodland environments of North America and East Asia. 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 flowers can be appreciated up close or from a distance. Generally, running forms have smaller flowers than the semi-runners, and clumping forms have the showiest flowers. 
Noteworthy characteristics: Short spikes of airy, star-shaped flowers form a foamy haze over the attractive, low-growing foliage. Grow it as a groundcover or edger in a shady border or woodland garden. They are a great foil to early spring bulbs.
Care: Prefers cool, moist soil but will tolerate a variety of soils. Grow in partial to full shade.
Propagation: Sow seed as soon as ripe or in a cold frame in the spring; divide in spring.
Problems: Rust, powdery mildew, slugs, weevils.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Tiarella

Tiarella 'Black Snowflake' Tiarella 'Black Snowflake'
(Foam flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This clump-forming variety has very dramatic, deeply cut foliage with wide black veins that looks like a black snowflake when new. The dark color is more pronounced in cool weather. Plants produce a profusion of starry white flowers on numerous spires up to 12 inches high and grow to about a foot wide. Tiarellas are at home in moist woodland environments. In the garden they make wonderful carpets of intricate leaves. For a long period from spring into summer, the profusion of foamy flowers can be appreciated up close or from a distance. Grow 'Black Snowflake' as a groundcover or edger in a shady border or woodland garden. It is a great foil to early spring bulbs.

Tiarella 'Dark Eyes' Tiarella 'Dark Eyes'
(Foam flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This running cultivar has notably large light-pink flowers that appear in spring and then rebloom. It has a compact habit with maple-like leaves marked with burgundy centers. Foliage turns bronze in the fall. Plants grow to about 14 inches tall and slightly wider.

Tiarella 'Heronswood Mist' Tiarella 'Heronswood Mist'
(Foam flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The leaves of this clump-forming variety look as if they have been dusted by a fine mist of pink, cream, and green. It is a rebloomer, and in spring it  produces a profusion of fragrant light pink flowers on spires that can reach 15 inches, rising above the foliage which grows to about 6 inches tall and wide.

Tiarella 'Mint Chocolate' Tiarella 'Mint Chocolate'
(Foam flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This clump-forming variety has unusually long, maple-shaped leaves with a chocolate-colored overlay. It is topped in spring by 16-inch spires of pink buds which yield to wispy, starlike ivory flowers. Plants rebloom lightly, so they can flower from spring to mid-summer. 'Mint Chocolate' grows to about 16 inches tall and a foot wide.

Tiarella 'Neon Lights' Tiarella 'Neon Lights'
(Foam flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This clump-forming variety has exquisitely textured, bright green maple-like leaves emblazoned with chocolate centers. In spring, its large pink-kissed-white flowers rebloom lightly on 16-inch stalks. Leaf coloration is best in cool weather. Plants grow to about a foot wide.

Tiarella 'Spring Symphony' Tiarella 'Spring Symphony'
(Foam flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This reblooming, clump-forming variety blooms in spring, producing 15-inch spires densely packed with pink blossoms. Its deeply cut foliage is compact, with black markings along the midrib. Plants grow to about 10 inches tall and wide. 

Tiarella 'Starfish' Tiarella 'Starfish'
(Foam flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

A good choice for winter color, this clump-forming variety is often grown for its long lasting, pink-budded white flowers that appear in late spring on 12-inch spires. Its star-shaped leaves are marked with burgundy and, in mild climates, turn bronze in winter. Plants grow to about 1 foot tall and wide.

Tiarella cordifolia Tiarella cordifolia
(Eastern foam flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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.

Tiarella wherryi 'Oakleaf'
(Foam flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This cultivar of the North American species has reddish, deeply lobed, oak-like leaves that mature to dark green with burgundy splashes. From late spring to early summer it produces a profusion of starry pink flowers for up to 8 weeks. Plants grow to about 18 inches tall and wide.