The following article is part of a series geared toward entry-level gardeners. For deep dives into a variety of perennials that we have sold over the decades, visit our archive of in-depth perennial articles written by Tony Avent, Dr. Patrick McMillan, and other Plant Delights and JLBG experts. We also have transcripts of our Gardening Unplugged videos, recorded during our Open Nursery and Garden Days, that have great information for gardeners of all experience levels.
Are you a beginning gardener looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant to add to your landscape? Look no further than Tiarella, also known as foamflower. Tiarella is a versatile plant that thrives in shaded areas and requires minimal care, making it a great choice for those new to gardening. Its delicate flowers and foliage add a pop of color and texture to any garden bed, and it pairs well with other shade-loving plants. In this article, we will explore the benefits of growing Tiarella, as well as tips for incorporating it into your landscape and easy-to-grow companion plants that can enhance its beauty. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Tiarella is a great plant to add to your collection.
Tiarella 'Pink Skyrocket'
How can I use Tiarella in my landscape?
Tiarella is a popular choice for gardeners because of its delicate flowers and foliage. Here are some ways beginning gardeners can incorporate these amazing flowers in their landscape:
-
Plant in shaded areas: Tiarella thrives in shaded areas, so it's an excellent option for gardeners looking to add color to those darker spots in their yard.
-
Mix with other shade-loving plants: Tiarella pairs well with other shade-loving plants like ferns, hostas, and heucheras. Mix and match different varieties to create a stunning display of foliage and flowers.
-
Use as a ground cover: Tiarella spreads quickly, making it an excellent choice for ground cover. Plant it in between larger plants to create a lush, green carpet.
-
Accentuate with mulch: Mulch around the base of the Tiarella plant to help retain moisture and accentuate the plant's delicate flowers and foliage.
-
Create a border: Use Tiarella as a border plant in garden beds or along walkways to add a pop of color and texture.
Remember to give Tiarella regular water and well-draining soil to help it thrive. With these tips, beginning gardeners can easily incorporate Tiarella flowers into their landscape.
Tiarella 'Sylvan Lace'
What plants go well with Tiarella?
Companion planting can be a great way to help plants grow better together. Here are some easy-to-grow companion plants for Tiarella that can enhance its growth and beauty:
-
Hostas: Hostas are a classic companion plant for Tiarella, as they both thrive in shady, moist areas. The hostas' larger foliage can provide a nice contrast to the delicate Tiarella flowers and foliage.
-
Ferns: Ferns are another excellent companion plant for Tiarella, as they also prefer the same growing conditions. Ferns add texture and interest to the garden bed, while Tiarella provides a splash of color.
-
Heucheras: Heucheras, also known as coral bells, have similar growing requirements as Tiarella, making them a good choice for companion planting. They both have small, delicate flowers and can provide a stunning contrast when planted together.
-
Bleeding hearts: Bleeding hearts (Genus Dicentra), with their dainty, heart-shaped flowers, can complement Tiarella's delicate blooms. Both plants thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil.
-
Astilbes: Astilbes have tall, fluffy flowers that can add height and texture to a garden bed. They also prefer the same growing conditions as Tiarella, making them a great companion plant.
Tiarella 'Butterfly Wings' PP 13,629
Remember to choose companion plants that have similar growing requirements to Tiarella, such as partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering. By planting these easy-to-grow companion plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden bed with Tiarella as the star of the show.
What are some basic growing tips for foam flowers?
Foam flowers are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for beginning gardeners. Here are some basic growing tips for foam flowers:
-
Light: Foam flowers thrive in partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can cause the plant to wilt or scorch, so it's best to plant them in a shaded area or where they can get filtered sunlight.
-
Soil: Foam flowers prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
-
Water: Foam flowers need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. If the soil dries out too much, the plant can wilt or suffer from leaf scorch.
-
Fertilizer: Foam flowers don't require much fertilizer, but a light feeding in early spring can help promote growth and blooming. Use an organic, slow-release fertilizer according to package instructions.
Tiarella 'Iron Butterfly' PP 12,396 EU 9848 -
Pruning: Foam flowers don't require much pruning, but you can trim back any dead or damaged leaves or stems. After the first flush of flowers has faded, you can deadhead the plant to encourage a second round of blooms.
With these basic growing tips, you can successfully grow and care for foam flowers in your garden. Remember to choose a shaded area with well-draining soil, water regularly, and fertilize lightly. With minimal care, foam flowers will reward you with delicate flowers and foliage year after year.
Should I try growing foam flowers?
Yes! Foam flowers are an excellent plant for beginning gardeners looking to add some color and texture to their landscape. With their delicate flowers and foliage, foam flowers are easy to grow and care for, requiring only partial to full shade, well-draining soil, regular watering, and light feeding. Additionally, foam flowers pair well with other shade-loving plants, making them a great choice for companion planting. By following these basic growing tips, you can successfully grow and enjoy the beauty of foam flowers in your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, foam flowers are a great addition to any landscape.