Foamflower

Common Names

Foamflower, Heartleaf Foamflower, Allegheny Foamflower, False Mitrewort, Coolwort, White Coolwort, Foam Flower

Summary

Heart-leaved Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) is a native eastern North American perennial that forms low, dense clumps in woodland shade. It features semi-glossy, heart-shaped leaves often with burgundy veining, and airy panicles of tiny white to pale pink flowers that give a foamy, bottlebrush-like appearance; foliage may bronze in autumn and can remain semi-evergreen in mild winters.

Thrives in cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade, tolerating a wide range of soils; protection from excessive winter wet is advised. Hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Propagation is by division or seeds. Use includes ground cover in woodland or shade borders, underplanting for shrubs or roses, rock gardens, and erosion control; generally pest- and disease-free with occasional slug or snail issues; deer and rabbit resistant.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 inches

Spread

4-19.5 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade to Full Shade; tolerates some morning sun.

Soil Type

Moist, humus-rich, well-drained loamy soil with a pH about 6.2–6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.2-6.5, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White, often with pink shades.

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green foliage, often turning bronze or burgundy in autumn and winter.

Fall Foliage Color

Bronze-green, Bronze, Burgundy, Reddish-bronze

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast growth; rapid spread via stolons and runners, forming a ground cover.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings (stem/leaf/root), Stolons/Offsets, Layering (runner plantlets), Tissue culture

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators