Tiarella cordifolia 'Running Tapestry'
Overview
Uses: Shade and woodland groundcover, mass plantings under trees and shrubs, woodland borders, edging shaded paths, naturalized shade gardens.
Benefits: A spreading form of our native foamflower, 'Running Tapestry' carpets shaded ground with maple-shaped leaves boldly marked in burgundy, then sends up frothy spikes of white spring flowers. It runs gently by surface stolons to fill in, stays semi-evergreen in mild winters, and is reliably deer resistant.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Sun: Partial to Full Shade
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Groundcover, Spreading — low rosettes spreading by runners.
Bloom Color: White
Foliage Color: Green with burgundy markings
Mature Height: 6–12 inches
Mature Width: 1–2 feet
Bloom Season: Spring to early summer
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Summary
'Running Tapestry' turns the shaded ground beneath trees into a living carpet of patterned foliage and spring bloom.
Its lobed, maple-shaped leaves are brushed with deep burgundy along the veins, holding interest all season and often lingering through mild winters. In spring, slender spikes of tiny, starry white flowers rise on wiry stems, foaming above the foliage and giving the plant its common name.
Unlike clumping foamflowers, this selection runs gently by surface stolons, knitting together into a soft groundcover that suppresses weeds in dry to moist shade. It is low, tidy, deer resistant, and one of the easiest natives for carpeting a woodland floor.
Care
Foamflower 'Running Tapestry' Care
Foamflower thrives in partial to full shade in humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil — much like its native woodland home. It tolerates short dry spells once established but prefers steady moisture.
Water during establishment and in dry weather, and top-dress with leaf compost to mimic forest soil. Feeding is seldom needed; a light slow release fertilizer in spring is plenty if used at all.
Maintenance is minimal. Tidy any tattered leaves in early spring, and let the runners spread to fill in, or trim them back to contain the patch. Divide in spring if you want more plants.
Size
What Size is the Foamflower 'Running Tapestry' for Sale Online?
Our Foamflower 'Running Tapestry' ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Foamflower 'Running Tapestry' Grow?
Foamflower 'Running Tapestry' stays low, about 6 to 12 inches tall in bloom, and spreads 1 to 2 feet wide or more by surface runners over time, weaving into a continuous groundcover in suitable shade.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly called foamflower, a reference to its frothy white spring blooms.
How does 'Running Tapestry' spread?
Unlike clumping foamflowers, it spreads by surface runners (stolons) that root as they go, gradually weaving into a groundcover — ideal for carpeting shade. See more options in our groundcovers.
Is foamflower deer resistant?
Yes, foamflower is generally deer resistant, which makes it a dependable groundcover for woodland gardens. For more options, browse our deer-resistant perennials and grasses.
Is it a true native?
It is a nativar — a selected running form of foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), a North American woodland native. Find more native choices in our collection of native plants.
