The Northern Exposure™ group of cultivars has richly colored, mounded leaves, with attractive short flower stalks and a multi-crown habit. It is a member of the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). These hybrids were bred from H. richardsonii, a species of the northern US and Canada, giving them exceptional winter hardiness. Developed by Terra Nova Nurseries, this series has helped broaden the use of Heucheras to our northern climates and has the added benefit of being heat- and humidity-tolerant. Northern Exposure™ alumroots were bred to grow as low as Zone 3. They like rich, well-drained, organic soil, lots of humus, and medium moisture. Take care not to bury the crown when planting, as this can cause the plant to fail. They grow well in shade and tolerate sun as long as they have adequate moisture, but prefer afternoon shade. This series has good rust resistance. Northern Exposure™ alumroot works well in mass plantings along borders or edges, in containers, or as an accent among plants with green leaves. Use in woodland, winter, and shady gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for foliar nematodes and root weevils. Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot. Other fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spots can occur. Protect from harsh sun to prevent leaf scorch. More information on Heuchera .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches; 12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 9 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Mounding; Rounded
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen; Semi-evergreen
Leaf color
Gold/Yellow; Green; Red/Burgundy; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Cordate; Rhomboidal
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Dense round to heart-shaped and lobed leaves do not require pinching to maintain mounding habit. Leaves show interest in the fall, spring and summer. Leaf color varies as to cultivar. They range from amber to deep purple.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Green; Pink; Red/Burgundy
Flower form
Spike
Flower shape
Bell
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Spikes of bell-shaped flowers in early to mid-summer. Color varies as to cultivar from pinks, reds to yellow-greens.
Bloom time
Summer
Stem color
Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Hairy reddish-purplish stems
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
North America
Wildlife value
Attracts hummingbirds and songbirds.
Attracts
Hummingbirds; Pollinators; Songbirds
Play value
Colorful
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Patio; Pool/Hardscape; Small Space; Walkways; Woodland
Landscape theme
Cottage Garden; Rock Garden; Shade Garden; Winter Garden