Family: Saxifragaceae
Common Name: Foam Flower

Native to woodland areas of North America, with one species from Asia, this genus includes around seven species of slender, perennial, herbaceous plants which enjoy shaded situa­tions. Sprays of tiny, pink or white flowers appear in spring and summer and the leaves often colour red in autumn.

Species

T. cordifolia, foam flower, from eastern North America, has lobed, heart-shaped leaves, with flower stems to 30 cm (12 in) long, and cream-white, summer flowers. It spreads with running stems or stolons.

T. laciniata, from north-west North America, has long flower stems, to 35 cm (14 in), irregularly toothed, seg­mented leaves, and white flowers.

T. wherryi is a clump-forming perennial from the Appa­lachian Mountains of eastern United States. The heart-shaped leaves are three lobed and the flowers are carried on stems, 15-30 cm (6-12 in) long, in late spring to early summer. Flowers are usually white but may occasionally be pink.

Cultivation

These perennials like a moist soil containing plenty of humus, such as leaf mould, and either partial or complete shade. They are ideal for creating groundcover in woodland gardens or shady places in shrub bor­ders. Propagate from seed in autumn or spring in a garden frame, or by division in early spring.

Climate

Zone 3 for most species; zone 6 for T. wherryi.