Tiarella cordifolia

Tiarella cordifolia: Woodland Foam, Spring Sparkle

Delicate in bloom but tough at heart, Tiarella cordifolia brings soft beauty to the shade garden with frothy spikes of starry white flowers in mid to late spring. Its heart-shaped, lobed leaves form a lush, low-growing carpet that turns rich bronze in fall and often persists through winter. Native to eastern North America, this foamflower is an excellent groundcover for woodlands and shaded borders, spreading gently by runners while supporting early pollinators and enhancing understory plantings with subtle, seasonal charm.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 30–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Creamy white
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Heart-shaped, mid-green with red veining; bronze fall colour
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Tiarella cordifolia is ideal for groundcover in woodland gardens, under trees, or along shaded paths where its early flowers brighten the understory and its foliage provides reliable cover. Its non-aggressive spread makes it suitable for naturalistic drifts or companion plantings, offering erosion control, habitat, and low-maintenance beauty in challenging shady spaces.

Companion Plants: Combine Tiarella cordifolia with the blush-pink, semi-double blooms of Helleborus 'Flower Girl', the wine-red stems and lacy fronds of Athyrium 'Lady in Red', and the copper-tinged foliage of Dryopteris 'Brilliance' for a shade planting rich in texture, movement, and seasonal contrast.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly during dry periods. Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth appears. Divide every few years to rejuvenate and maintain a dense, healthy groundcover.

History: Native to eastern North American forests, Tiarella cordifolia has long been appreciated for its adaptability and woodland charm. Once a staple in early shade gardens, it remains a vital component in native, pollinator-friendly, and low-maintenance plantings today.

Final Thoughts: Soft as mist and resilient as moss, Tiarella cordifolia brings woodland serenity and quiet resilience—an essential understory player for any shady retreat.