Plant of the month archive

Tiarella cordifolia' (Foamflower, Coolwort).

There are 5 species of the foamflower genus - forest-floor perennials native to North America. They are related to heucheras. Tiarella cordifolia provides excellent ground cover for a shady or part-shady area, so can be used to good effect underneath shrubs, trees, large-leaved perennials or ferns, for example. They are easy to grow and maintain, preferring moist soil. The attractive matt evergreen leaves, often patterned with spots or stripes, or with bronze-brown blotches in the centre, form an appealing, low mound all year round. In late spring and early summer, delicate sprays of white or pale pink tinged flowers are borne on long slender stems about 30cms tall. Tiarellas are vigorous, spreading, hardy plants. They can be propogated by seed or division in early spring. Highly recommended.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM) in recognition of its outstanding excellence.

Nandina domestica: 'Fire Power' (Sacred Bamboo, Heavenly Bamboo).

This bushy bamboo like shrub is actually a member of the Berberis family, but will lend an oriental feel to your planting. Its delicate appearance belies its hardiness, tolerant to -20°C (-4°F). It has large, evergreen, reddish-green leaves subdivided into several leaflets. In the autumn the leaves take on striking pink-scarlet-red colours. It is slow growing, making a rounded shrub of around 80 x 80cm in five years, eventually attaining 1.5 x 1.5m. This beautiful, easy to grow plant likes fertile soil and prefers some shade, although the strongest colours will occur if it is planted in a fairly sunny site. Further year round interest is provided by arching panicles of small white flowers in early summer. Red berries may develop in autumn and winter if male and female plants are present. Like bamboo, Nandina domestica rustles evocatively in the wind, or when you run your hands through it! There are various other forms, although 'Fire Power' is now widely available in garden centres. Prune straggly stems to the base on established plants in Spring. Another variant with similar characteristics is becoming more widely sold - Nandina Richmond has smaller leaves and a more upright, tree-like appearance, with bright red stems.