Foamflower and Spotted dead-nettle are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, pollinator friendly, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Tiarella cordifolia 30 cm × 45 cm after 10 years
A woodland ground cover with maple-like leaves that last through mild winters and airy, foamy spikes of white or pink flowers floating above them in…
Lamium maculatum 20 cm × 90 cm after 10 years
Spotted dead-nettle is a low, fast-knitting ground cover for shade and part shade: its silver-marked leaves brighten dark corners and pink, purple…
Foamflower grows larger: 30 cm × 45 cm after ten years, against 20 cm × 90 cm for Spotted dead-nettle.
Spotted dead-nettle is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Foamflower.
Spotted dead-nettle tolerates drought better than Foamflower.
|
Feature
|
Foamflower
|
Spotted dead-nettle
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 30 cm × 45 cm | 20 cm × 90 cm |
| Ultimate size | 15–45 cm × 30–60 cm | 10–25 cm × 30–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Part shade, Shade | Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Acidic | Average garden soil, Acidic, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Semi-evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
| Flowering | April–June, white, pink | May–September, pink, purple, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 30 cm | 30 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €4.60 | approx. €5.50 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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