Contents
Description
Tiarella Cordifolia, also known as Foamflower, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes. The plant produces heart-shaped leaves that form a basal rosette and spikes of delicate, frothy-looking flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers come in shades of white or pink and have a pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Tiarella |
Appearance
Tiarella Cordifolia grows up to 1 foot tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. The plant has a clumping habit and produces heart-shaped leaves that are dark green with deep, reddish-brown veins. The leaves can grow up to 3 inches wide and have a slightly serrated edge. The flowers are arranged in a spike that can grow up to 12 inches tall and have a frothy appearance due to the numerous stamens. Each flower has five petals that are either white or pink and are about 1/4 inch wide.
Care Guide
To care for Tiarella Cordifolia, it is important to provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips:- Water: The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells or hot weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer. Follow the instructions on the package for the right amount to use.- Soil: The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It also prefers soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Tiarella Cordifolia is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tiarella Cordifolia is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to the following:- Slugs and snails: These can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use a slug bait or handpick the pests to get rid of them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent it, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overcrowding.
Habitat
Tiarella Cordifolia is native to North America and can be found in woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes. It prefers shaded areas with moist, well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tiarella Cordifolia grow in full sun?
A: No, the plant prefers partial to full shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Q: How often should I water Tiarella Cordifolia?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells or hot weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Tiarella Cordifolia?
A: Tiarella Cordifolia is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Q: How do I prevent powdery mildew on Tiarella Cordifolia?
A: Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overcrowding.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Tiarella Cordifolia:- Heuchera- Astilbe- Saxifraga- Rodgersia- Mukdenia
References
– “Tiarella Cordifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c245. – “Tiarella Cordifolia.” Plant Care Today, 5 Mar. 2021, plantcaretoday.com/tiarella-cordifolia. – “Tiarella Cordifolia (Foamflower).” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/tiarella-cordifolia-foamflower.
