perennial · design plant record

Tiarella cordifolia

Foamflower

A low spring-flowering layer between larger shade plants. Runners can gradually connect the planting rather than keeping a permanent single-clump outline.

Height at maturity
0.13–0.3 m (0.4–1 ft)
Spread at maturity
0.3–0.46 m (1–1.5 ft)
Light
Part shade / Shade
Moisture
Moist, draining soil
Source-reported USDA zones
3–8 · verify subzone and cultivar
Principal seasonal role
Spring

Fit it to the site

Humus-rich, moist but draining soil; neutral to slightly acidic conditions.

Reject an exposed, dry border. Its spreading habit needs review beside very small neighbours.

Keep the care in the decision

Remove damaged foliage as growth resumes. Watch expanding runners and retain space around slower companions. Do not let the planting dry out persistently.

Origin & safety checks

Eastern North America. Local range and taxonomic treatment should be checked.

Toxicity not assessed here. “Children’s garden” tags in a source are not a comprehensive safety assessment.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.

Factual source · checked 3 October 2026

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Tiarella cordifolia

Ranges are rounded metric conversions of the source's dimensions. Growth varies with cultivar and conditions. Linked source photographs can help verify identity; our concept garden images cannot.