Foamflower is a tough little plant; it isn’t bothered by pests and requires little care to keep it growing and flowering. Like most other native woodland species, foamflower is happiest in rich, organic soil that never dries out and never stays soggy. Before planting, incorporate lots of organic matter into the soil; also mulch with compost or chopped leaves every year in late fall or early spring to maintain a high humus level. Dig up and divide the plants in early spring before they begin flowering or in the early summer after flowering. (Water well afterward and shade with newspaper.) You can also divide foamflower in fall.
Foamflower is a pretty ground cover with starry white flowers that have a noticeable pink blush—especially apparent as the blossoms age. The pale green, evergreen foliage is delightfully veined with burgundy; in winter and when grown in only part shade, the entire leaf usually turns bronze-burgundy. This easy-to-grow, spreading species carpets the ground with a dense mat and grows well at the base of shrubs and other tall plants. Foamflower adapts well to diverse areas and sites. In recent years, new, larger selections with highly ornamental foliage have been developed.
Grow foamflower as a delicately textured ground cover in shady sites under trees, shrubs, or other tall perennials. It blends well with most plants and looks especially attractive with spring-flowering bulbs poking through its mat. It is particularly useful for covering large areas; in the right conditions it spreads freely and quickly.
ZONES: 3–9
BLOOM TIME: Spring
LIGHT: Part to full shade
HEIGHT: 6–12 inches
INTEREST: Masses of frothy white flowers, tinged in pink; attractive, pale green foliage with burgundy veins; a tough ground cover