LOOMIS CREEK favors native groundcovers in woodland borders. One of our favorites, Tiarella cordifolia (foamflower), is in full bloom right now (a bit ahead of schedule this year!). Foamflowers are commonly found in the woods of eastern North America; they generally form robust clumps, but some varieties spread more aggressively with short runners in spring and fall. A hillside carpet of foamflower (pictured) is sublime!Bottlebrush spikes of starry white flowers rise 8-12 inches above coral bell (heuchera)-like foliage in early spring (late April to mid-May in the Hudson Valley) in dappled light before the overhead tree canopy closes.  Green leaves are irregularly lobed with dramatic burgundy etching along leaf veins, in various patterns depending on the cultivar.

Our favorite Tiarella cultivars at Loomis Creek are:

Tiarella cordifolia ‘Brandywine’ – rated one of the most vigorous; glossy leaves with subtle burgundy etching; bold creamy white flowers; bronzy fall & winter leaf color.

Tiarella cordifolia ‘Springwood’ – selected by friend and mentor Dick Lighty from his Pennsylvania garden of the same name; heavy bloomer with white bottlebrush flowers and bold burgundy-chocolate leaf markings; pumpkin-orange fall leaf color.

Tiarella ‘Iron Butterfly’ – you remember the 60′s group Iron Butterfly and their hit “In- A-Gadda-Da-Vidda”. We’d grow this foamflower for the name alone. Striking dissected cut-leaf form with white flowers.

We’ve trialed many other fancy-leafed and pink-flowering foamflowers that are so, so tempting in catalog pictures. Few have impressed us with the vigor, substance, and beauty of the above selections.

Culture: moist, organic soils; partial to full shade. USDA zones 3-8