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Herbaceous Perennial

Tiarella cordifolia

foam flower

A stoloniferous herbaceous perennial to 30cm in height, with 3 to 5-lobed, broadly ovate leaves becoming bronze-tinged in autumn, and erect stems bearing open racemes of small, creamy-white flowers

Other common names
coolwort
false mitrewort
see morewhite coolwort
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream Green
Autumn Bronze Green
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Saxifragaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Tiarella are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials forming a clump of rounded, more or less palmately lobed leaves, with very small, star-shaped flowers in terminal panicles or racemes on erect stems

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Eastern N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Ideally grow in cool, moist, humus-rich soil in partial or full shade but can tolerate a wide range of soils and can spread freely. Protect from excessive winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Remove spent flowers and leaves as required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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