Overview
Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Tiarella, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and shade garden. It is native to Eastern North America.
About
Tiarella cordifolia, the heart-leaved foamflower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Saxifragaceae. The specific name cordifolia means "with heart-shaped leaves", a characteristic shared by all taxa of Tiarella in eastern North America.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tiarella cordifolia
About the genus
Tiarella, the foamflowers, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Saxifragaceae. The generic name Tiarella means "little turban", which suggests the shape of the seed capsules. Worldwide there are seven species, one each in eastern Asia and western North America, plus five species in eastern North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Tiarella", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tiarella
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tiarella
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden, shade garden
- Native to
- Eastern North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks and damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or fall; seed propagation is possible but less common.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Where is the best place to plant Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly'?
Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.
What soil does Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' need?
Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly'?
Remove spent flower stalks and damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
How big does Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' grow?
Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' reaches a height of 0.2 m.
Is Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' hardy in the UK?
Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly'?
Division in spring or fall; seed propagation is possible but less common.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.