English Ivy, your dynasty has come to an end. Introducing (drumroll, please) Foamflower! Once upon a time, we turned to non-native plants for shade-tolerant groundcovers, but native plants are back on top. Foamflower is a fairly well-known native perennial, but we have to say that the ‘Oakleaf’ selection may be our very favorite. Robust, dense mounds of unique lobed leaves become topped with many fluffy white flowers on tall, wiry stems in spring. The leaves reliably last through the fall, turning various shades of purple and red to add a pop of perennial color to our shade gardens.
Conditions: Full to part shade; moist, well-drained soils
Size: <1’ tall; <1' spread
Zone: 4 – 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract pollinators, including mining bees
Photo: Samantha Nestory