Heuchera

These hardy perennials are mainly natives of North America. Alum Root, as they are commonly called, grow from 12 to 18 inches high. Some types are mainly grown for the beauty of their foliage and others for their dainty flowers. Not many wild types are now grown in gardens, because many beautiful named varieties have been developed which provide an abundance of pretty flowers. A few of the named varieties and wild species will be described in this section; others will be mentioned below in the varieties section. H. cylindrica 'Greenfinch' forms clumps of dark green, rounded, lobed leaves with wavy margins. In the summer, tiny, bell-shaped, pale green flowers are produced in graceful spikes on long, thin, hairy stems. H. micrantha diversifolia 'Palace Purple' has dense clumps of metallic, dark-purple-red leaves with serrated and cut lobes. Tiny white flowers are produced in airy sprays on thin, dark-purple stems. H. 'Red Spangles' has heart-shaped, purplish-green leaves with toothed, rounded lobes. Small, bell-shaped, brilliant crimson-scarlet flowers are produced in open spikes on dark red stems in early summer and again in late summer. H. sanguinea (Coral-Bells), a wild species, produces scarlet flowers.

Pot Cultivation

Grow these plants in light, loamy soil that is moist, but well-drained, in a sunny or partially shaded position.

Propagation

Alum Root may be divided in the spring or fall. Only the outer, younger portions of the crown should be replanted.