Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Saxifragaceae family, native to Eastern North American woodlands. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Foamflower at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern North American woodlands |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Foamflower toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Foamflower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Foamflower
- How far apart should I plant Foamflower?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Foamflower need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Foamflower need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Foamflower?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Foamflower flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Foamflower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
- What grows well with Foamflower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Foamflower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
Notes and assumptions
- Frothy white spires above maple-like leaves that often turn bronze in winter; spreads by runners into a shade carpet.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Astilbe Astilbe x arendsii
- Coral bells (heuchera) Heuchera americana
- Elephant's ears (bergenia) Bergenia cordifolia
- Encrusted saxifrage Saxifraga paniculata
- Purple saxifrage Saxifraga oppositifolia
- Strawberry begonia (yukinoshita) Saxifraga stolonifera
- Chestnut-leaved rodgersia Rodgersia aesculifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum