Origin
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa (Small) Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela, commonly known as Alumroot, is native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Alabama. It can often be found growing in forests, wooded slopes, and rocky areas.
Common Names
Alumroot is also commonly referred to as coral bells due to the delicate coral-colored flowers it produces in spring and summer. It is also known by other names such as American alumroot, rock geranium, and limestone alumroot.
Uses
Alumroot has a long history of medicinal use as it contains high levels of tannins that have astringent properties. The Cherokee people traditionally used the roots of the plant to treat wounds and hemorrhages. It has also been used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. In modern times, it is mostly used in the ornamental horticulture trade due to its attractive foliage and flowers, with various cultivars being developed for their unique colors and patterns.
General Appearance
Alumroot is a perennial herb that typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads out up to 1.5 feet wide. Its leaves are rounded, lobed, and have toothed edges, with a green color that can vary from yellow-green to dark green depending on the cultivar. The flowers grow on long stems, rising high above the foliage, and are small and bell-shaped, usually measuring between 0.2 to 0.3 inches in diameter. The flowers can range in color from white to pink to red and bloom in late spring and early summer. Overall, Alumroot is a beautiful and hardy plant, making it a popular choice for both ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa (Small) Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela prefers partial to full shade for optimal growth. While the plant can tolerate full sun, it requires more moisture in such conditions. Therefore, it is an ideal plant for shaded areas or gardens with dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to North America, where it is found in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers cooler temperatures and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. Average daytime temperatures of 60°F to 75°F are ideal for optimal growth, while nighttime temperatures between 40°F and 50°F are favorable.
Soil Requirements
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa (Small) Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant requires consistent moisture to grow well. Gardeners can mix compost or other organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.
Cultivation methods for Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa can be grown indoors or outdoors and adapts well to different types of soil. The plant requires good air circulation, and a well-draining soil mix that retains some moisture. The plant can tolerate partial sun or full shade but grows better in partial or filtered sun.
To start cultivating the plant, ensure to till the soil bed to a depth of six inches and add organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting. Allow for proper spacing of at least two feet between the plants. Water the plant appropriately and consider mulching the plants to control weeds and retain moisture.
Watering needs
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa is a low maintenance plant, and once established, it requires minimal watering. During hot and dry months, the plant will need watering at least twice a week, and the frequency will depend on the soil moisture level.
Ensure to check the soil moisture level before watering the plant. Insert a finger into the soil up to two inches deep and if the soil feels dry, water the plant. Avoid over-watering the plant as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa does not require much fertilizer but adding a balanced slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year will help the plant to grow healthier and promote flowering. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the fertilizer, and avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to poor growth and health of the plant.
Pruning
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa requires minimal pruning. However, to rejuvenate the plant and encourage new growth, prune the plant in late winter or early spring just before the growing season starts. Remove any dead or damaged leaves, and cut back any stems that have grown too long. This will ensure that the plant has a neat appearance, and it also promotes air circulation.
Propagation of Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa (Small) Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa (Small) Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela, also known as American alumroot, is a popular plant among gardeners due to its attractive foliage. The plant is native to North America and belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. There are several methods of propagating this plant, including division, seed propagation, and stem cuttings.
Division
Division is considered the easiest and fastest method of propagating Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa. The best time to divide the plant is in spring or fall. The process involves digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller sections, each with its own root system. It is essential to ensure that each division has several buds and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be replanted in a new location, spaced at least 12 to 18 inches apart and with well-draining soil.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is another method of propagating Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa. The best time to sow the seeds is in late winter to early spring. The process involves collecting the seeds from the plant and sowing them in a well-draining soil mixture. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, mist with water, and keep them in a warm and bright location. Transplant the seedlings to a new location after they have developed at least two true leaves and are strong enough to survive on their own.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cutting is a more challenging method of propagating Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa. The best time to take stem cuttings is in early summer when the plant is actively growing. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut a 3 to 4-inch stem, making sure to remove any flowers. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only two to three leaves on the stem's tip. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a soilless potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm and bright location, misting regularly, and making sure to keep the soil moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should begin to root, and it can be transplanted into a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa (Small) Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa (Small) Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela, commonly known as the American Alumroot, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. To ensure its growth and development, it is paramount that protective measures are put in place to prevent diseases and pest infestation.
Common Diseases
Bacterial leaf spot: This disease is caused by Xanthomonas campestris and is characterized by dark brown to black spots on the leaves. Over time, the spots merge, leading to the yellowing and premature drop of leaves. One can control this disease by applying copper-based fungicides.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew presents as white powdery spots on the leaves and stems that cause stunted and distorted growth. To manage it, one can use sulfur or neem oil-based fungicides.
Crown rot: Crown rot is caused by fungi such as Phytophthora spp. and is characterized by wilted and discolored leaves. It’s essential to identify and remove infected plants to prevent spread.
Common Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites appear as a group of tiny red or yellow dots on the leaves, causing them to wilt, yellow, and eventually drop off. To manage them, one can use insecticidal soap or neem oil applications.
Slugs/Snails: Slugs and snails cause leaf shredding, and their slime trail is typically visible around infected plants. To manage this pest, you can use beer traps, copper tape, or implement regular hand-picking.
Root weevils: Root weevils are identified by notched leaf edges and small holes. Nematodes, pheromone traps, and insecticides can help control them.
Conclusion
Heuchera americana L. var. calycosa (Small) Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela is a beautiful and important addition to any garden or landscape. By taking the necessary measures to identify and manage pests and diseases, one can ensure its healthy growth and appearance.
