Tiarella Angel Wings 'Gowing' (Fox Series)

Tiarella 'Angel Wings' is a variety of small tiarella that stands out for the beauty of its foliage. Strongly cut and lobed, very nicely layered and heavily marked with brown-red patterns on the top, its leaves somewhat resemble wings. Its generous spring flowering, with a frothy appearance, in spikes ranging from dark pink to pale pink, adds to the charm of this pretty perennial ground cover in fresh woodland. This double award-winning variety in England, at Chelsea and by the RHS, is also a gem for the terrace. 

Tiarellas belong to the large Saxifragaceae family. They are close cousins of heucheras, native to the eastern United States, as well as to China for some species. The 'Angel Wing' tiarella has a very attractive deeply cut bright green foliage, somewhat reminiscent of the leaves of certain maples. The centre of the leaf and the veins are heavily marked with brown-red, giving them a very graphic two-tone appearance. The plant develops well-arranged leaves, one above the other, forming a compact and neat mound, which will reach about 25 cm (10in) tall and 30 cm (12in) wide. Between April and June, the plant produces multiple light and airy flowering stems, with initially dark pink buds giving way to tiny pale pink star-shaped flowers with prominent stamens that are appreciated by pollinators. The plant then reaches about 35-40 cm (14-16in) tall. In autumn, the foliage often takes on beautiful bronze hues and frequently persists if the winter is not too harsh. It is also capable of withstanding short periods of drought once established.

Tiarella 'Angel Wings' spreads slowly through its rootstock, in humus-rich soil, not too heavy, and above all well-drained. It is not invasive but can be divided. These are conditions that can be found in woodland, at the base of bushes for example. In heavy soil, its longevity may be compromised. In this case, you can regularly add dead leaves to improve your soil.

Planted en masse, it will form a beautiful carpet alongside Heucheras (which belong to the same family) such as Heuchera 'Caramel' or 'Magnum', ferns such as Dryopteris erythrosora and Polystichum setiferum, or even with other groundcovers like Asarum caudatum. It can also be grown in a pot, in a rich, well-draining substrate that does not dry out too much.