Tiarella wherryi

‘Sugar Scoop’

SUGAR FOAM FLOWER

Syn. Tiarella cordifolia var. collina

Tiarella wherryi ‘Sugar Scoop’
SUGAR FOAM FLOWER
Syn. Tiarella cordifolia var. collina

Tiarella wherryi ‘Sugar Scoop’ is a charming, shade-loving groundcover for under trees and shrubs.
‘Sugar Scoop’ delights with decorative foliage, foamy spires of flowers, plus robust hardiness.

Spires of foamy white flowers dusted with sugar pink

Tiarella are lovely bloomers.
With flower spires looking as if white foam has been twirled around their stems, then dusted with pink sugar.
But the foam is actually made up of hundreds of tiny spidery flowers with punk buds – very sweet.

Long blooming foam flowers over spring and summer

The foamy crisp flowers contrast brightly with deep red stems, and sit perkily above decorative leaves.
Then the show continues well over spring and summer, as ‘Sugar Scoop’ is a long, prolific, and repeating bloomer.

Sweetly scented

Flower spires are also scented with a sweet, delicate fragrance.
And because the flowers are so thickly massed the fragrance is a real treat as you approach.

Wine veins on heart shaped scalloped leaves

But Tiarella wherryi ‘Sugar Scoop’ is more than just a pretty bloomer – It also charms with decorative foliage that makes an excellent, evergreen groundcover.
Large, heart-shaped, scalloped edged, green leaves, are each highlighted with prominent deep wine veins, which tone beautifully with the pink dusted flowers and blushed stems.

Shines as a groundcover under trees & shrubs

So the foliage really shines in a shaded area, and makes a very pretty groundcover under larger trees or shrubs.

Specialist shade dwellers 

Foam Flowers are specialists at growing in shade, enjoying a variety of shaded positions.
From deep shade to dappled light, and even positions that just get a little early sun.
But it is in the shade garden, or a shaded pot, where they really star.

Hardy & water-wise – dry shade specialist

Hardy and useful Tiarellas are more shade and dry hardy than their cousins the Heuchera.
Tiarellas are not water-guzzlers and can manage on a lot less water than Heucheras.
So they are really useful in shade areas that are not abundantly watered and have become a popular “go-too” plant for landscape designers planning low-maintenance, low-water usage gardens in shaded. positions.

No-fuss undemanding plants

Tiarella wherryi ‘Sugar Scoop’ happily grows in a wide range of soils, including clay.
And enjoys the mulch and leaf litter under trees and shrubs.
It does not require high fertility.

Frost hardy evergreen

‘Sugar Scoop’ is robustly frost hardy, as it is able to withstand winter temperatures down to at least -25°C.

Plus winter foliage glow

Plus the leaves blush with rosy shades during the cold of winter, further enhancing their value as an evergreen groundcover.

Low maintenance & long lived perennial

There is little work to do with Tiarella wherryi ‘Sugar Scoop’.
As it is a long-lived, evergreen perennial which rarely requires dividing or pruning.
If the weather is harsh during summer and it begins to look a little bedraggled, then you can simply chop back the clump to freshen and renew the lovely leaves.
But this is not essential or regularly needed.
They are rarely troubled by any pests or diseases.

Bees & butterflies love sipping the rich nectar

Though bees and butterflies love sipping from the sweet, nectar rich tiny flowers.

Rabbits & deer tend to ignore Tiarella

Foliage of Tiarella have a very astringent taste, and so are low on the menu selection for both rabbits and deer.

Crowns of flowers

The name of Tiarella derives from the Latin word “tiara” – meaning an upright crown.
And these lovely plants are certainly crowned with fragrant flowers.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: Warm-cold-cool

Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in autumn or late winter
OR
For optimum germination – sow in a punnet indoors at any time when suitable temperatures can be given (10-20°C).

Sow indoors for optimum germination: First sow the seeds in a punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.

Tip for sowing fine seed: The seeds for Tiarella wherryi ‘Sugar Scoop’ are very fine.
So sieve a little seed raising mix, and pop a few pinches into the seed bag.
Now shake briskly to gather up all the seed.
And then sow – you will get better and more even distribution, and collect all the seed.

Then gently pat the surface to ensure good contact between seeds and mix.
But do not cover – because these seeds need light to germinate.

Now thoroughly moisten the sown punnet by standing it in a shallow water bath.
And allow the water to percolate up to the surface of the mix from the bottom.
This will ensure the mix is thoroughly moist but not drenched.

Label the punnet with the name and date sown.

For best germination – pre-condition with a warm period

So place the punnet in a well lit position (no direct sunlight) at a temperature of approx. 21°C for 14 days.
The punnet should be kept consistently moist by misting from a spray water bottle.
And covering the punnet with a clear plastic cover, plastic bag, or glass will also help retain consistent moisture and prevent drying out.
You can use a heat mat if you have one to maintain temperature, or a warm spot (out of direct sun.

Give a period of chilling

Now the seeds need a period of chilling (a pretend winter) – so wrap the sown, moist punnet in cling-wrap and place in fridge (not freezer) for 6-8 weeks.

Then take out, unwrap punnet, and keep moist in a cool, well lit position.
Temperatures between 10- 20°C are best for this sprouting period.

Seeds need good light to sprout, but the punnet should not be in any direct sunlight.
Germination begins in approx. 30 days.

Or sow seeds directly in garden in autumn/winter and leave to get the required chilling from nature over winter, before germinating in the spring.

Prick out the seedlings as soon as they show their first set of true leaves, and pot on to grow up ready for garden planting.

Seed Count: 25 seeds per packet approximately.
(We always aim to exceed the stated count, and give a generous serve)

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