Foamflower Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' (PBR)
ABOUT
Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' is a visually striking woodland perennial known for its beautiful foliage and delicate blossoms. The leaves of this plant are notably lobed and heart-shaped, boasting a palette of deep green with contrasting dark maroon markings that trace the veins, adding depth and interest to the bitextured leaves that often have a glossy sheen on their surface. When the seasons transition from spring to early summer, this plant produces feathery plumes composed of tiny, star-shaped flowers that create a soft and airy appearance. These flowers tend to be a soft pink to creamy white color, forming a visually appealing contrast with the darker foliage. The blooms rise above the foliage on slender stalks, giving them a floating effect that enhances their whimsical charm. As the seasons change, so do the colors of 'Sugar and Spice'. Though the foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, you can expect a gradual transformation where the green deepens and the maroon markings become more pronounced, providing visual interest well into the fall months. This dynamic change in foliage, along with the sparkly flower spikes, makes Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' a delightful choice for adding texture and color to shaded garden areas or for combining with other shade-loving plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Foamflower, Sugar and Spice Tiarella.
Common names
Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Foamflower, specifically the Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice', is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, if ingested, it is not typically expected to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or adverse health consequences. However, as with any plant material, individual reactions can vary, and it is generally advisable to avoid ingestion of ornamental plants.
To pets
Foamflower, including the variety Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice', is not known to be toxic to pets. No significant symptoms of poisoning are expected if pets ingest parts of this plant. It is considered relatively safe for pets, but as with any non-food plant, ingestion should still be discouraged to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' has deeply lobed, heart-shaped leaves with distinct veining, providing visual interest even when not in bloom.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady areas where many other plants would not perform well.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Ground Cover: The plant spreads slowly, forming a dense mat that can help suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: The frothy, pink or white flowers bloom in spring and can continue into the early summer, offering an extended display.
- Cold Hardy: Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' is hardy in a range of climates, surviving cold winters in many regions.
- Seasonal Interest: With flowers in spring and striking foliage that often changes color in the fall, it provides year-round interest in the garden.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden, encouraging biodiversity.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' can be used in fairy gardens for whimsical landscaping due to its delicate foliage and foam-like flowers creating a magical miniature woodland scene.
- The dense foliage of Foamflower provides a natural mulch that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture in garden beds.
- Foamflower can be an interesting option for living walls or vertical gardens, offering a textural contrast with its heart-shaped leaves.
- Due to its low-growing habit, Foamflower can be used for edging in garden paths or walkways, providing a soft border that complements stone or brick.
- As a groundcover plant, Foamflower helps in soil erosion control on slopes or embankments by stabilizing the ground with its root system.
- The attractive leaves of Foamflower can be used in floral arrangements as filler foliage to provide a lush, green backdrop for more colorful flowers.
- Foamflower can be used in shaded rain gardens, where its ability to tolerate moist conditions helps with water infiltration and provides habitat for beneficial insects.
- In a sensory garden, Foamflower's unique texture and visually interesting flowers can provide a tactile and visual experience, especially for children or individuals with special needs.
- For educational purposes, Foamflower can be planted in school gardens to teach students about native plants and their roles in the local ecosystem.
- When planted in containers on balconies or patios, Foamflower adds greenery and charm without the need for constant sunlight, ideal for urban dwellers with limited light exposure.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Tiarella is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Tiarella is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Elegance: The delicate foliage and charming flowers of Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' represent natural beauty and an understated elegance.
- Resilience: As a hardy perennial, this plant symbolizes an ability to endure and thrive in various conditions, much like resilience in the human spirit.
- Grace: The gracefulness of the plant’s habit and the softness of its flowers convey a sense of finesse and poise.
- Sweetness: The common name 'Sugar and Spice' suggests a symbolic meaning of sweetness and the pleasant aspects of life.
- Contrast and Balance: With the name hinting at opposing elements - 'Sugar' being sweet and 'Spice' being pungent - the plant can be seen as a symbol of the balance between different facets of an experience or personality.
WaterFoamflowers should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil, particularly during their first growing season to establish a deep and extensive root system. Water them once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Use about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly. During hot dry spells, you might need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture before adding water to avoid overwatering. In winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightFoamflowers thrive best in part shade to full shade, where they are shielded from the harsh afternoon sun. The ideal spot for a foamflower is under the canopy of open trees or on the north side of a structure. They can handle morning sun, but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so dappled or filtered light throughout the day is perfect for these woodland plants.
TemperatureFoamflowers are hardy in a wide range of temperatures, typically surviving winter temperatures down to around -30 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer cooler conditions and do best in an environment where summer temperatures do not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature conditions for foamflowers are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.
PruningPrune foamflowers to remove dead or damaged foliage and to encourage denser growth. Light pruning is best done in the spring or after the flowers have bloomed to shape the plant and remove spent flower spikes. Deadheading the spent blooms will also promote further flowering. Pruning is not frequently necessary but doing so can improve the plant's appearance and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Foamflower 'Sugar and Spice' should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and moisture-retentive. A blend of garden soil, peat, and perlite or pine bark would be suitable. The ideal soil pH range for 'Sugar and Spice' is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingFoamflower 'Sugar and Spice' typically does not need to be repotted often as it is not a fast-growing plant. Repotting every 2 to 3 years should be sufficient unless the plant has outgrown its container or the soil needs refreshing.
Humidity & MistingFoamflower 'Sugar and Spice' thrives in environments with moderate to high humidity. Ideal humidity levels range from 50% to 70% which is beneficial for the plant's growth and helps to maintain its lush foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in moist soil, moderate light, and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, moist soil; protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleTiarella 'Sugar and Spice', commonly known as Foamflower, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in moist, rich soil, often in the spring. Seedlings develop into rosettes of heart-shaped, semi-evergreen leaves, featuring a characteristic maroon variegation. As it matures, the Foamflower enters a vegetative state, spreading slowly by stolons to form a dense clump. Flower stalks emerge in late spring to early summer, bearing creamy-white to pink bottlebrush-like flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, the plant sets seeds that may be dispersed by wind or wildlife, while some portions of the plant may enter dormancy during the winter months. The cycle resumes in spring as new growth appears from the rootstock or as seedlings emerge from seeds that have overwintered.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice', commonly known as foamflower, can be propagated most effectively by division. This technique is best carried out in the spring or fall when the weather is cool and the plant is not under stress from extreme temperatures. To propagate by division, gently lift the plant from the ground, ensuring a sizeable amount of the root system is intact. Carefully separate the crown into smaller sections, each containing at least a couple of shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions promptly, spacing them approximately 12 to 15 inches (about 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to provide sufficient room for growth. Ensuring the roots are well-covered with soil and the area is kept moist will promote successful establishment of the new plants.
