Foam flower (Tiarella 'Ninja')
Tiarella 'Ninja' (Foam flower) offers dark green, patched foliage and spires of coral-tinged white blooms in May.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Tiarella ‘Ninja’ is a highly valued, rhizomatous, clump-forming hybrid recognized widely as a superior Foam flower. Gardeners prize this cultivar specifically for its striking, heavily marked foliage, which provides deep green color contrasted with black center blotches and striping along the lobes. This plant performs exceptionally well in woodland settings, adding texture and low-growing interest where sun struggles to penetrate.
The appeal of Tiarella ‘Ninja’ extends to its spring floral display, featuring delicate spires of white flowers subtly tinged with coral. As an herbaceous perennial, it establishes easily and provides reliable coverage in shaded borders. Its low maintenance profile and shade tolerance make Tiarella ‘Ninja’ an ideal choice for filling difficult, dry-under-tree spots or creating lush ground cover.
This variety reaches modest dimensions, forming a dense foliage mound perfect for edging pathways or softening hardscaping. Planting Tiarella ‘Ninja’ ensures continuous aesthetic appeal, moving seamlessly from its spring blooms into a richly patterned summer and fall ground layer.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-1 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: May
- Bloom Description: White tinged with coral
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The best time to establish Tiarella ‘Ninja’ is typically in the spring or early fall, allowing the plant to settle its roots before periods of extreme heat or cold. Locate your planting site where it receives part shade to full shade; these plants absolutely require protection from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the handsome foliage. Foam flower thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, though it truly performs best when the soil is humusy, organically rich, and moisture-retentive.
Maintain consistent moisture levels, as soil should not be allowed to dry out, especially during the growing season. Conversely, avoid overly wet soils, which can prove fatal, particularly when combined with winter cold. Fertilizing is rarely necessary if organic matter is regularly incorporated; focus instead on annual top-dressing with compost to enrich the soil structure.
For optimal appearance, gardeners should remove the flower spikes once blooming concludes. While perennial, the foliage of this Foam flower hybrid is semi-evergreen in milder climates; harsh winter temperatures determine how much color is retained into the next season. Keep the area clean of debris in early spring to encourage fresh, unblemished growth.
Landscape Uses
Tiarella ‘Ninja’ excels as reliable, subtly dramatic ground cover in shaded environments. Its compact size makes it an excellent selection for the border fronts in woodland gardens, providing a fine textural contrast against larger, coarser-leaved shade perennials. Grouping several plants together allows the patterned foliage of Tiarella ‘Ninja’ to mass effectively, creating a tapestry effect near streams or ponds where moisture levels are naturally higher.
This variety also integrates beautifully into shaded rock gardens, where its low profile prevents it from overwhelming smaller alpine specimens. Furthermore, the deep-cut leaves and coral-tipped flowers lend themselves well to container plantings, particularly mixed arrangements intended for shady patios or decks. Consider pairing the dark foliage of Tiarella ‘Ninja’ with lighter greens of Hosta varieties or the fine textures of ferns for maximum visual impact.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tiarella is a genus of about 7 species of herbaceous perennials from East Asia and North America. They make good ground covers in woodland gardens and shady borders. Genus name comes from the Greek tiara meaning a small crown in reference to the form of the fruit. ‘Ninja’ is a rhizomatous, clump-forming Foam flower hybrid noted for its attractive foliage and spires of coral-tinted white flowers in spring, often rising to 14” above the 7-9” tall foliage mound.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
Generally, Tiarella ‘Ninja’ asserts itself as a resilient garden inhabitant, rarely succumbing to serious insect or disease infestations. The main cultural issue gardeners must watch for is powdery mildew, which typically signals poor air circulation or humidity stress. Monitor for common garden slugs and root weevils, which can sometimes take an interest in the succulent leaves or roots. Improving soil drainage slightly and ensuring consistent, appropriate watering practices are the best preventative measures against most common issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Foam flower suitable for?
Tiarella ‘Ninja’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Tiarella ‘Ninja’ grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically maintains a height between 0.5 and 1 foot tall, with a spread of 0.5 to 1 foot wide.
When does Foam flower bloom?
The small, white tinged with coral flowers of Tiarella ‘Ninja’ usually appear during the month of May.
What sun exposure does Tiarella ‘Ninja’ need?
This plant requires protection from harsh light, thriving best in conditions ranging from part shade to full shade.
Conclusion
The distinctive, dark-patched foliage and charming, spiky coral-tinted blooms confirm Tiarella ‘Ninja’ as an invaluable asset for shaded landscapes. This low-maintenance Foam flower hybrid provides year-round structure and vibrant spring performance. Before planting, ensure your intended spot provides the consistently moist, humus-rich soil that Tiarella ‘Ninja’ requires to thrive.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Tiarella ‘Ninja’, prioritize other shade-loving plants that share similar cultural needs—medium moisture and rich, well-drained soil. Good partners include various Hosta cultivars, particularly those with chartreuse or blue foliage to create strong color contrast against the dark leaves of the Foam flower. Epimediums, or barrenworts, blend seamlessly with Tiarella, offering early spring flowers before the Tiarella reaches its peak display. For vertical interest beneath trees, consider ferns like Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) for contrasting leaf texture.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the optimal time to amend the soil around your Tiarella ‘Ninja’ with a top dressing of compost to promote robust growth and retain moisture throughout the summer. Once flowering finishes in late spring or early summer, deadhead the spent flower spikes immediately; this pruning improves the overall neatness of the foliage mound for the remainder of the season. In fall, especially in colder zones, leave any remaining foliage intact as insulation, as the semi-evergreen nature of this Tiarella offers some winter interest, protecting the plant’s crown. Minimal intervention is required during the active growing season, reinforcing the low-maintenance appeal of this excellent shade perennial.
