July 2002

Culture Tips for Pink Brushes By John Friel

Tiarella ‘Pink Brushes’, a hybrid developed byCharles Oliver of The Primrose Path, Scottdale, Pa., was selected for its excellentflowers, vigor and extended flowering season. The dense, full spikes are 12-16inches tall, and individual flowers are longer-lasting than those typical ofthe genus. Spring foliage is a fresh, shiny green with distinctive marooncentral veining, creating an unusual “quilted” appearance. Thefoliage color deepens through the season, turning to a medley of bronze anddark greens, edged in bright red, after frost in the fall. Crop time isapproximately 8-12 weeks.

Culture

Pink Brushes can be produced in several pot sizes. Typicalpot sizes used are 4-inch to 1-gallon. It is suitable for Zones 3-8 and AHSHeat Zones 8-4 in partial to full shade.

Plant the root ball level with a medium surface. Avoidoverwatering to reduce the likelihood of root and crown rot. Also, leaves willyellow if the soil is kept too moist. Allow medium to dry somewhat betweenwaterings to encourage root growth, but don’t allow young plants to wilt.

Pink Brushes is easily grown in humus soil, and it needs amedium that is high in organic matter and capable of holding moisture. Maintaina pH of 6.0-6.5.

Growing On

Use a complete nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer withmicronutrients, e.g., 20-10-20, 20-5-19, etc. Inject liquid fertilizer witheach irrigation; this will give the best control of nutrient levels. Rate ofuse is related to temperature: under 40° F, use clear water; from40-60° F, use 50-100 ppm nitrogen; and over 60° F, use 100-200 ppmnitrogen. Controlled-release fertilizers with micronutrients can also be used.Use 150- to 180-day release rates for spring and summer crops. Overwinter at20-38° F. Dormancy breaks in early spring.

*Note that a plant patent has been applied for on TiarellaPink Brushes.