Heuchera americana

Common Names

American Alumroot, Coral Bells, Rock Geranium, Alumroot

Summary

Native to eastern and central North America, Heuchera americana is a clump-forming evergreen perennial with basal, lobed leaves that range from green to purple or bronze and are often variegated. It forms a mounded habit and tall, airy flower stalks bear small greenish-white flowers on panicles in late spring to early summer, while the species is highly polymorphic and intergrades with H. pubescens and H. richardsonii, giving rise to forms such as H. americana var. hispida and H. americana var. hirsuticaulis. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with partial shade to sun depending on climate and is hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Common in borders, rock gardens, woodland plantings, and ground cover, foliage ranges from green to purple or bronze and is evergreen in milder climates; it tolerates neutral to slightly acidic soils and can be propagated by division every 3–4 years or by seed. For cultivation, water regularly, mulch around the crown, space plants about 30–35 cm apart, prune spent flower stalks, and watch for powdery mildew, rust, leaf spots, or vine weevils; flowers attract bees and birds, and the evergreen foliage provides year-round interest in shaded or semi-shaded landscapes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Partial shade to full sun; warmer regions favor partial shade, cooler climates favor full sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile loamy to sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0), avoiding heavy clay.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Greenish-white

Bloom Time

Late spring to early summer

Foliage Color

Green, ranging from lime green to deep burgundy depending on cultivar; also purple, brown, bronze, silver-marbled or silver-green foliage, with red tones.

Fall Foliage Color

There isn’t a single fall foliage color; foliage varies by cultivar, ranging from lime green to deep burgundy.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Winter.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings (basal cuttings), Leaf cuttings, Tissue culture

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators