Charming North American woodland plants, the foam flowers have become a focus of attention along with Heuchera as new forms are being selected. Many appear to have similar qualities but their garden use is undeniable. All are shade loving woodland plants, thriving in a humus rich soil, and can be divided into two distinct groups, running forms and those that stay as clumps. The running forms make ideal loose ground cover , threading their way around taller plants such as ferns or Hosta and under shrubs. The clump forming varieties make ideal foliage plants to plant in groups for early spring foliage and flower.
Although lacking nectar, the massed foamy flowers of Tiarella do attract pollinating insects, those that can eat pollen, especially hoverflies, honeybees and ladybirds. Ground-cover forms also provide a refuge for beneficial predatory insects, such as ground-beetles, and amphibians.