Guide to growing Foam Flower - Tiarella

Tiarella are hardy perennial woodland plants that range from 30 to 60cm in height.

They have heart shaped green leaves that change colour to red in the autumn.

Tiarella come into bloom from late in spring through to early summer when they carry feathery white flowers on spikes.

A common name for a garden Tiarella is Foam Flower.

How to grow Foam Flower

The seeds of foam flower should first be grown in plants and can be sown in either the autumn or spring; foam flowers seeds should be sown on the surface. If planting in flats in the autumn then sink the flat in a shady area and cover in glass; keep soil moist; bring indoors for the winter when it starts to get very cold. If growing Foam Flower in the spring then first imbibe the seeds by putting the flat in a black bag, then placing in the fridge for three weeks. Then sink the flat into a shady part of the garden, cover wit glass and keep moist. Once young foam flower seedlings appear remove the glass and allow to grow in situ; transplant the seedlings to their final location in the autumn.

Foam flowers and other Tiarella can grow in either shady ao partially shaded areas and like a cool acidic soil (pH 5 to 6), that is rich, well drained, and moist. The plants should be spaced from 15 to 20cm apart (small Tiarella) to 30 to 60cm apart (larger Tiarella varieties).

Caring for Foam Flower

It is fairly easy to look after Foam Flowers, they are woodland plants so like a cool moist soil; so apply them a wood chip mulch to help maintain soil moisture and coolness, and water regularly. If you require more plants then Tiarella species can be propagated by division in the spring.