The Story
Plant Bio
Tiarella, or foamflowers, are shade-loving, clump-forming or spreading perennials native to North American woodlands. They are grown for their attractive, often patterned foliage and airy, bottle-brush-like flower spikes.
'Elizabeth Oliver' is a clumping variety noted for its deeply lobed, green leaves with distinctive dark burgundy markings along the veins. In spring, it produces a profusion of light pink, fragrant flower spikes. The foliage often turns bronze in winter.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Average
Humidity
Prefers high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America (genus)
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Mid-spring – Late spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location in partial to full shade.
- Amend the soil with compost or leaf mold for richness.
- Ensure the soil is moist but well-drained.
- Plant the crown at soil level, not below.
- Water in well and apply a mulch of shredded leaves.
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first year.
Pro Tip
Provide consistently moist, humus-rich soil to mimic its native woodland habitat for the best performance and lushest foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in acidic, organic-rich soil.
- Water during dry periods to prevent foliage from scorching.
- Divide every few years if the center of the clump becomes bare.
- Allow leaves to remain over winter for protection.
Don't
- Don't plant in hot, direct sun.
- Don't allow the soil to dry out completely.
- Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged clay.
- Don't bury the crown, which can lead to rot.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower questions
What zones can Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower grow in?
Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower deer resistant?
Yes — Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower bloom?
Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower need full sun?
Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower does best in part shade.
More Tiarella to compare
Foamflower
Tiarella cordifolia
Angel Wings Foamflower
Tiarella cordifolia 'Angel Wings'
Cutting Edge Foamflower
Tiarella cordifolia 'Cutting Edge'
Sugar and Spice Foamflower
Tiarella wherryi 'Sugar And Spice'
Copper King Foamflower
Tiarella wherryi 'Copper King'
George Shenk Pink Foamflower
Tiarella cordifolia 'George Shenk Pink'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Elizabeth Oliver Foam Flower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.