Tiarella cordifolia Pink Brushes

Tiarella cordifolia 'Pink Brushes' is a lovely rhizomatous perennial, almost evergreen, with its shiny green palmate foliage quickly covering the ground in damp shade, even in the understory. Its abundant and long spring to summer flowering, in pale pink feathery spikes, will brighten up the darker areas of the garden. The foliage takes on variable brown-red markings in autumn and throughout winter.

Tiarella cordifolia 'Pink Brushes' belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is a cousin of Heucheras, with which it readily hybridises. It is native to the North American understory. It will reach a mature size of 30 cm (12in) in all directions. This foam flower forms a spreading clump. The evergreen foliage is its main asset. Its palmate and deeply lobed leaves measure 10 cm (4in) in length and are beautifully crinkled and marked with a variable dark central spot, ranging from bronze-red to shiny green. In May, individual flowers appear densely arranged in 'brushes' on 45 cm (18in) tall stems, offering a beautiful range of pale pink to white, depending on their fading over time. The flowering period, particularly long for the species, persists from mid-spring to early summer. This plant spreads by stolons and can quickly cover a large area.

Easy to maintain, Tiarella cordifolia 'Pink Brushes' thrives in all moist to wet, well-drained, neutral to acidic soils. It can be planted in partial shade or dense shade (although the foliage colour may be less vibrant). Full sun must be avoided. It should be planted in loose soil that retains moisture, with the possibility of mulching. It does not tolerate very hot conditions. Once established, this perennial seems to tolerate dry shade under trees and shrubs. It requires little maintenance, and pruning is not necessary except for damaged foliage or rejuvenation.

In the wild, Tiarella cordifolia grows in wooded or mountainous environments. It will naturally thrive in damp understory alongside ferns, Impatiens balfouri, Solomon's seals, and astilbes. It can also be used as a waterside plant. It will also grow well in containers or shady garden beds. In containers, it should be planted in well-draining soil mix, with careful watering in summer and reduced watering in winter. Potted plants will need protection from cold winter winds.