Coral bells vs Foamflower
Coral bells are grown for coloured leaves, foamflower for its froth of white spring flowers; they are close relatives from North American woods. Coral bells (Heuchera) are sold in dozens of leaf colours from near-black to lime, and form clumps that take more sun and drier soil. Foamflower (Tiarella) has green, maple-shaped leaves and spreads by runners into a carpet in moist shade. Their hybrid, foamy bells, sits between the two.
 Coral bellsHeuchera |  FoamflowerTiarella cordifolia | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 12 in tall, 16 in wide | 10 in tall, 16 in wide |
| Plant | 16 in apart | 12 in apart |
| Zones | 4 to 9 | 3 to 8 |
| Light | Part sun to part shade | Part shade to shade |
| Soil | Well-drained, rich fertility | Evenly moist, rich fertility |
| Flowers | Late May to mid July; pink, red, white | Late April to late May; white |
| Leaves | Medium, semi-evergreen | Medium, semi-evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Edging | Carpet |
| Pets | No toxicity recorded | No toxicity recorded |
| Deer | No record | Resistant |
| Native | No | Yes |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose coral bells for warmer gardens (to zone 9).
- Choose foamflower for more shade, colder gardens (to zone 3), moist soil, a native garden and more wildlife.
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. What foamflower brings beside coral bells: adds the flowers, late April to late May; spires rising out of its mound. They share part shade and zones 4 to 8.
Read more: all about coral bells, and all about foamflower, each with a bed the planner designed around it.