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Key characteristics

Family: Saxifragaceae
Height: 8 to 12 in
Width: 12 to 18 in
Flower color: Soft white to very pale blush pink in airy, bottlebrush-like spikes held above the foliage
Foliage color: Deeply cut, star-shaped leaves in rich green with prominent dark maroon to chocolate central markings
Bloom time: Mid to late spring, sometimes with light rebloom in early summer
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; remove spent flower stems after bloom and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Bees and other early-season pollinators

Groundcovers

Tiarella ‘Starfish’

Starfish Foamflower

Tiarella 'Starfish' forms low mounds of deeply cut, star-shaped green leaves marked with dark burgundy central patterning that intensifies in cool seasons. In spring, airy spires of soft white, lightly pink-flushed flowers rise above the foliage, creating a fine textured haze of bloom that persists for several weeks. Its evergreen foliage provides quiet structure through winter in mild climates and conditions.

Bred in North America from woodland species, it flowers in mid to late spring and suits shaded borders, path edges, and naturalistic ground layers where delicate bloom and patterned foliage create lasting seasonal interest, offering gentle continuity across changing seasons in sheltered plantings nearby.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring, sometimes with light rebloom in early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Woodland Gardens
Borders
Pathways & Walkways
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Oxalis · Kalmias · Trilliums · Sword ferns · Violets · Rodgersias

Design tip

Echo the distinctive foliage shape in small drifts to create rhythm beneath trees and larger shrubs. Layer contrasting leaf forms with ferns, broad-leaved perennials, and spring bloomers to build a woodland planting that remains textured and visually engaging all season.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)