Alumroot

Heuchera (HEW-ker-ah)

Family: Saxifragaceae Native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

Alumroot is a genus of nearly 50 species of herbaceous perennial groundcovers native to North America (including North Carolina) and the Russian Far East. They are members of the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). The genus name, Heuchera, honors Austrian-born Johann Heinrich von Heucher, who was a medical botanist and professor of medicine in Wittenberg, Germany, in the 17th century. Alumroot can be grown in the sun or shade, depending on the selected varieties. Many varieties develop their best leaf color in full sun. They prefer a slightly acidic pH and moist, well-drained soils that have been amended with organic matter, such as leaf compost or pine bark fines. They dislike heavy clay. They are best planted in the late fall or early spring. They are usually short-lived perennials unless they are divided regularly, about every 3 or 4 years. Deadheading the spent flowers will increase bloom production during the summer and into the fall. If the leaves appear ragged, remove all the foliage to stimulate the production of new leaves. Most plants in this genus prefer relatively dry air, but hairy alumroot ( Heuchera villosa ) will thrive in heat and high humidity. Mulching will protect the plant's roots in the winter months. Depending on the climate, alumroot is an evergreen to semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial groundcover that is very popular because of its colorful foliage, which comes in a variety of colors, including purple, orange, brown and yellow. Alumroots are primarily grown for their foliage, but many of the western North American species tend to have attractive pink or red flowers that are favored by butterflies and bees. They also attract hummingbirds, both in their native habitat and in gardens. Flowering usually begins in June and continues throughout the growing season. The genus x Huecherella is a hybrid between Heuchera and Tiarella . Alumroots make a wonderful addition to the garden and can be used as edgings in perennial borders and ground-covering group plantings. The lighter-colored varieties stand out nicely in a lightly shaded garden. They work well in containers, too. They are appropriate for shade gardens, cottage gardens, children’s gardens, butterfly and pollinator gardens, and even formal English gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: There are few insect or disease problems, but leaf scorch can be a problem for plants grown in full sun during hot, dry conditions. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot can occur. Potential insects include weevils, Japanese Beetles, mealybugs, and foliar nematodes. VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.