Tiarella Pink Skyrocket

Tiarella 'Pink Skyrocket' is a recent horticultural creation, appreciated for its abundant flowering and the pretty pink hue of its fluffy inflorescences, which are rather large for such a plant. In late spring, it produces a multitude of coral pink buds that open into tender pink flowers, before fading to cream-white. Its foliage is deeply lobed and reveals beautiful deep purple to brown veins on bright green, glossy lamina. It is usually evergreen, depending on the climate. This fairly fast-growing rhizomatous perennial plant is perfect for ground cover and adding colour to shady areas.

Tiarella 'Pink Skyrocket' belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This American horticultural hybrid is likely derived from the species Tiarella wherryi, with remarkably finely lobed foliage. It is a cousin of Heuchera, with which it easily hybridises. It is native to North American woodlands. It will reach a mature size of 30cm (12in) in all directions. This foam flower forms a spreading clump. In May-June, the slightly fragrant individual flowers appear, densely arranged in large 'brushes' on stems of about 40cm (16in) in height, offering a beautiful gradient from pale coral-pink to cream-white, depending on their discolouration over time. The flowering lasts until July. Its evergreen foliage is its second asset. Its palmate and deeply lobed leaves measure 10cm (4in) in length and are nicely marked with dark, red to brown veins. This plant spreads by stolons and can quickly cover a significant area.

In the wild, Tiarella are usually found in wooded or mountainous environments, in cool and humus-rich soil. Tiarella 'Pink Skyrocket' will naturally find its place in moist shade with ferns, hostas, Impatiens balfouri, Solomon's seals, and astilbes. It can also be used as a waterside plant, to accompany Carex testacea, Rodgersia, or silver candles. It will also thrive in containers or pots in shade. It should be planted in well-drained compost without excessive fertiliser. Monitor watering in summer and reduce it in winter. Pots will need protection from cold winter winds.

Flower buds are formed during the summer, but they will only develop and bloom after being exposed to at least 10 weeks of cold temperatures the following year. Cold is therefore necessary for the maturation of this perennial.