Tiarella have strikingly similar foliage to Heuchera. You've probably seen the resulting cross between the two plants: Heucherella. But unlike Heuchera, Tiarella are usually grown for their flowers which will bloom earlier than Heuchera. Tiarella plants once again provide the spiky bottlebrush foliage of both the Astilbe and Cimicifuga, which give the height and depth to this garden.
T. cordifolia (Allegheny foamflower) is probably the hardiest variety, but it can spread somewhat quickly. It's not invasive, but it will require a bit more maintenance.
Here we have
Alternatives
- Wherry's foamflower - T. cordifolia var. collina (USDA Zones 4 - 8, 12" x 12", Repeat Blooms White, April - May, foliage can be green, bronze or burgundy)
Wherry's foamflower does not spread by underground stems. Instead it forms a well-behaved clump. It also contributes sensual, velvety leaves.
- Heucherella 'Heart of Darkness' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 18" x 12", White Blooms: May - June, Red-veined, Silver Shadowed Leaves)