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Tiarella Oakleaf
Tiarella cordifolia Oakleaf
Tiarella 'Oakleaf' offers striking, oak-like foliage and delicate white flowers that create a lush, textured ground cover in shaded gardens. This deer-resistant perennial thrives in moist, well-drained soil, attracting pollinators and providing year-round interest in woodland settings.
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Tiarella 'Oakleaf,' also known as Oakleaf Foamflower, is a captivating shade perennial featuring uniquely shaped, oak-like leaves that bring exceptional texture to the garden. The foliage displays vibrant green tones accented by rich burgundy veining, creating a striking contrast that enhances shaded areas. In spring, Tiarella 'Oakleaf' produces elegant spikes of fluffy, star-shaped white flowers that bloom for several weeks, adding a light and airy quality reminiscent of foam, which gives this perennial its common name. These delicate flowers also attract bees and butterflies, making it a pollinator-friendly choice for woodland and shade gardens.
Perfect for areas with dappled sunlight or full shade, Tiarella 'Oakleaf' thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is ideal for creating lush ground cover beneath trees or around shrubs. This low-maintenance perennial is highly adaptable, making it suitable for planting in borders, along pathways, or as an attractive underplanting for larger perennials like hostas and ferns. In milder climates, the foliage remains semi-evergreen, providing interest even during winter. Its ability to tolerate deer browsing makes Tiarella 'Oakleaf' a reliable option for gardens where deer are an issue.
With its unique foliage and charming blooms, Tiarella 'Oakleaf' adds a woodland feel to any landscape while requiring minimal upkeep. Its rapid growth habit helps establish a dense, weed-suppressing mat of foliage that beautifies shaded spaces and reduces garden maintenance. Whether used as a ground cover, in shaded rock gardens, or mixed perennial beds, Tiarella 'Oakleaf' is a versatile and attractive addition that brings year-round beauty and enhances the overall diversity of a pollinator-friendly garden.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 12 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 12 to 18 Inches |
| Classification: | Perennial |
| Sunlight: | Part sun to full shade |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Foliage: | Dark Green |
| Habit: | Mounding |
How to Care for Tiarella Oakleaf
After purchasing your Tiarella Oakleaf, be sure to read our recommended care instructions to guarantee a happy and healthy plant.
How do I plant my Tiarella Oakleaf?
To plant your Tiarella 'Oakleaf,' choose a location that offers partial to full shade, as this shade-loving perennial thrives best in low-light conditions. Start by preparing the soil; Tiarella 'Oakleaf' prefers rich, well-drained soil with high organic content, so amend your planting area with compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Dig a hole that is about twice the width of the root ball and slightly deeper than the height of the plant's container. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, loosen the roots, and position it in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in around the roots with soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to help the plant settle. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your Tiarella 'Oakleaf' to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a cool root environment. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant crown to avoid rot. Tiarella 'Oakleaf' requires consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season, so water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, this perennial is fairly low maintenance and can tolerate occasional dry spells. Consider planting it alongside other shade-loving perennials like ferns, hostas, or heucheras for a beautiful and natural-looking woodland garden.
How should I water my Tiarella Oakleaf?
Watering your Tiarella 'Oakleaf' correctly is essential for its health and growth. This shade-loving perennial prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil, especially during its first growing season. After planting, make sure to water deeply and regularly to help the roots establish. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. During hot or dry spells, increase the frequency of watering to ensure the plant stays hydrated, as Tiarella 'Oakleaf' doesn’t tolerate drought well. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. To maintain optimal moisture levels for Tiarella 'Oakleaf,' consider applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant. This helps retain moisture, prevent evaporation, and keeps the root zone cool. Water the plant at the base, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can reduce the risk of fungal issues. During cooler seasons or when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency but ensure the soil never fully dries out. By providing consistent moisture and proper care, your Tiarella 'Oakleaf' will reward you with lush foliage and delicate blooms throughout the growing season.
How do I I fertilize Tiarella Oakleaf?
To fertilize Tiarella 'Oakleaf,' begin by selecting a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth throughout the growing season. In early spring, before new growth starts, apply a granular 10-10-10 or similar balanced fertilizer around the base of the plant. Avoid direct contact with the foliage to prevent burning, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct dosage. If you prefer an organic approach, you can use compost or well-aged manure as a natural alternative, as these options enrich the soil and provide steady nutrients for your Tiarella 'Oakleaf.' During the growing season, additional feeding may not be necessary if your soil is rich in organic matter. However, if you notice slower growth or pale leaves, a mid-season boost using a diluted liquid fertilizer can help provide essential nutrients. Make sure not to over-fertilize, as excessive feeding can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flower production. Always water your Tiarella 'Oakleaf' thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients reach the root zone and to prevent potential damage from concentrated fertilizer. Proper fertilization will keep your Tiarella 'Oakleaf' vibrant, encouraging robust foliage and abundant blooms.
How do I Prune Tiarella Oakleaf?
Pruning Tiarella 'Oakleaf' is an important part of maintaining its attractive appearance and promoting healthy growth. Start by removing any dead or damaged leaves in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut away the old foliage, taking care not to damage the fresh shoots. This will help tidy up the plant and make room for new growth. Additionally, after the blooming period, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, remove spent flower spikes to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing lush foliage rather than seed production. Throughout the growing season, inspect your Tiarella 'Oakleaf' regularly and remove any discolored or unhealthy leaves to keep the plant looking its best and to reduce the risk of pests or diseases. If your Tiarella 'Oakleaf' is being used as ground cover and begins to spread beyond the desired area, light trimming of the edges can help keep the plant within bounds. While Tiarella 'Oakleaf' does not require heavy pruning, keeping up with regular maintenance will ensure it remains a healthy, compact, and attractive addition to your shade garden. Proper pruning also helps maximize its performance, allowing for more vibrant foliage and better overall growth.
