Foamflower
tiarella cordifolia
Also known as: ["Meadowsweet","Heartleaf Foamflower"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to eastern North America, known for its delicate white flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus: | Tiarella |
| Botanical Name: | Tiarella cordifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, shaded rock garden, or container in a shaded area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, acidic to neutral soil with organic matter like compost or leaf mold.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or as needed to remove dead leaves.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on cleanup rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from low to higher light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; ideal for woodland gardens or shaded garden beds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; provide dappled light; rotate plant occasionally for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–7.0.
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions but avoids extreme heat.
Keep away from drafts; maintain moderate humidity; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings. Division is the most reliable method for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- For cuttings, take 3–4 inch stems, remove lower leaves, and plant in moist medium.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–70°F or 18–21°C).
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, mature plant in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), pots, moist propagation medium.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; use clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves or stems with clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and encourage new growth. Light pruning after flowering promotes denser growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; remove only dead or damaged parts; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot, ensuring good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Division is often done during repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is saturated. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, peat moss, or leaf mold to enhance fertility and drainage; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or browning edges in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or develop brown edges in prolonged heat above 80°F (27°C).
Solution: Increase shade, provide consistent moisture, and improve air circulation to mitigate heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTiarella cordifolia is not toxic to cats. This plant does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicTiarella cordifolia is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicTiarella cordifolia, commonly known as foamflower, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Tiarella cordifolia require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial to full shade and thrives in woodland-like conditions.
Q: Is Foamflower deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its low palatability.
Q: How often should I water Tiarella cordifolia?
A: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
