Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) is a perennial plant that can be found growing in rich soils throughout most of the eastern United States. As its name suggests, it bears leaves that are shaped like foam. While it’s not usually grown for its flowers, it produces them abundantly in the late spring or summer.
What is Foamflower?
Foamflower is a beautiful, low-growing groundcover that is perfect for shady areas in the garden. It gets its name from the delicate, foamy white flowers that appear in spring and early summer. Foamflower is easy to care for and makes an excellent addition to any garden. It can be often found in deciduous woods and stream banks
How to Grow Foamflower
Foamflower is a beautiful groundcover plant that is perfect for shady areas in the garden. Although it is native to North America, it is very easy to grow in other parts of the world. Here are some tips on how to grow foamflower:
- Foamflower prefers shady conditions and moist, well-drained soil. If you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to grow foamflower in a shaded spot.
- Foamflower can be propagated by division or seed. If you are growing foamflower from seed, start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow the seeds on the surface of a moistened potting mix and keep them at a temperature of 21-24 degrees Celsius. The seeds will germinate in 7-21 days. Once they have germinated, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on under cool conditions until they are ready to be planted out into the garden.
- When planting out foamflower, space the plants about 30cm apart. They will spread over time to form a dense groundcover.
- Foamflower is a low maintenance plant and is relatively trouble free. They do not need regular pruning, but will benefit from occasional deadheading to keep them in shape.
Foamflowers are a great option for the novice gardeners but also loved by gardening aficionados. They are easy to grow and look spectacular when combined with other perennial plants in the sunny border, rock garden or meadow.If you are growing foamflower from seed, which can be difficult due to their tiny size, we would recommend using one of our trays specifically designed to help sowing seeds and cuttings . This grid system helps ensure that your plants germinate at the correct depth and keeps them separate until they are large enough to be planted out into individual pots.
How to Care for Foamflower
Foamflower is a beautiful groundcover plant that is native to North America. It has delicate, lobed leaves and produces small, white flowers in spring. Foamflower is an easy plant to care for and is perfect for those who are new to gardening. Here are some tips on how to care for foamflower:
- Foamflower prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It will tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in hot summer climates it will need some afternoon shade.
- To keep foamflower looking its best, cut back the stems by half in early spring. This will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from getting too leggy.
- Foamflower is relatively pest and disease free. However, slugs and snails may enjoy munching on the leaves, so be sure to check for them regularly.
With just a little bit of work, your foamflower will thrive and provide you with beautiful groundcover all season long!
Tips on Foamflower
Plant foamflower in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade. It will tolerate full sun if given enough moisture.
- Mulch foamflower to help keep the roots cool and moist.
- Water foamflower regularly during the growing season, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilize foamflower yearly with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
- Cut back foamflower in late fall or early winter to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth in spring.