Foamflower Plant Care

Foamflower (Boykinia aconitifolia) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Boykinia genus. Foamflower is native to the southeastern region of the United States, ranging from West Virginia to Alabama and Georgia. Foamflower is also known as Allegheny Brookfoam.

Foamflower displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Foamflower produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Foamflower every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Foamflower thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Foamflower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Boykinia aconitifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Foamflower prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Foamflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Foamflower every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Foamflower is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Foamflower can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Foamflower while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Foamflower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Foamflower can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to elk clover plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Foamflower is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Foamflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Foamflower is native to the southeastern region of the United States, ranging from West Virginia to Alabama and Georgia. In cooler regions, grow Foamflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.