Tiarella 'Pink Skyrocket'

Tiarella 'Pink Skyrocket': Pink Fireworks for the Shade Garden

'Pink Skyrocket' launches thick shrimp-pink spikes out of the shade like it's got a flight to catch. The deeply cut leaves have dark markings and go bronze to black in fall. HOUSTON, WE HAVE A BLOOM.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Tiarella hybrid
• Common Name: Foamflower
• Height: 15 cm (6 in) in foliage; flower spikes to 28 cm (11 in)
• Spread: 30 cm (12 in)
• Flowers: Thick spikes of shrimp-pink flowers held above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Spring (May to June)
• Foliage: Deeply cut green leaves with dark markings; bronze to deep black fall colour
• Features: Fall colour
• Plant Patent: USPP 13,382

Where to Plant: Plant it at the front of a shady border, along a woodland path or in groups under trees and shrubs, where a few together look like a little fireworks show in spring. It's also good in shade containers.

Companion Plants: Phlox 'Blue Moon' blooms violet at 20 to 40 cm in April and May, a soft lead-in to the pink foamflower spikes. Astilbe 'Diamond' adds white plumes at 75 to 80 cm from June to August. Cornus canadensis spreads a 10 to 20 cm carpet with white flowers in May and June. It's a gentle woodland planting for full shade to partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in part shade to full shade in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Add compost if your soil is clay or sand. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun. Water regularly, especially in the first season and through summer dry spells. Foamflowers don't like to dry out completely. A light mulch of shredded leaves helps. Cut off spent flower spikes after bloom. In spring, trim winter-damaged leaves. Divide every few years in spring if the clump gets crowded.

History: 'Pink Skyrocket' was bred by Dan Heims at Terra Nova® Nurseries in Oregon from a group of mass-pollinated hybrids and species, and was patented in 2002. Its parents aren't known, but it is most likely a cross between two or more Tiarella species.

Final Thoughts: Deer stay grounded, pollinators get boarding passes. Plant a cluster in part shade. PREPARE FOR LIFTOFF.