Heuchera ×cuneata T.j. Howell (pro Sp.)

Origin

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) is a hybrid plant that originated from the cross of Heuchera cylindrica and Heuchera micrantha. This plant is commonly found in the wild regions of northwest California, specifically in the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains.

Common Names

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) is often referred to as Alum Root, which is the common name for all Heuchera species. Another common name for this plant is Wedgescale Alum Root.

Uses

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) is known for its medicinal properties, specifically for its astringent and antiseptic qualities. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, diarrhea, and sore throats. In addition, its underground stem has been used to treat snakebites and insect stings. This plant is also used as a decorative garden plant due to its attractive foliage, which varies in color from green to reddish-brown.

General Appearance

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) grows up to a height of 20-30cm and has a spread of 30-60cm. It has a clumping growth habit with evergreen basal leaves that are triangular to wedge-shaped and are lobed at the base. The leaves are deep green to reddish-brown and have a waxy texture, giving them a shiny appearance. The plant produces clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers that are held on tall spikes that rise above the foliage.

Light Requirements

The Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) plant requires partial to full shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage the leaves. In areas with harsh afternoon sun, it is best to provide shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Temperature Requirements

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) thrives in cool to moderate temperatures. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C). This plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, where it can tolerate chilly winters and hot summers. Extreme heat or cold can cause stunted growth or damage to the leaves.

Soil Requirements

The Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) plant thrives in well-draining, moist soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, but it does not grow well in soils that are waterlogged or heavy with clay. Adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss can improve soil fertility and drainage, promoting healthy growth of the plant.

Cultivation Method

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) is an evergreen perennial that can be grown from seeds or purchased as young seedlings. Choose a location that receives partial sunlight for planting the seedlings and prepare the soil by adding compost and organic matter to it. Dig a hole in the soil and place the seedling in it, ensuring that the top of its root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in the hole and water the plant thoroughly. Maintain a distance of around 30cm between the plants.

Watering Needs

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. It is essential to achieve this while not allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, and avoid wetting the leaves as this can cause fungal disease. Water the plant deeply, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening. The frequency of watering will depend on the humidity, the temperature, and the size of the plant.

Fertilization

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Add a slow-release granular fertilizer to the soil before planting the seedlings. Supplement with water-soluble fertilizer by mixing it with water and applying it to the soil during the growing season. Alternatively, use a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer's packaging for guidance on the amount to use.

Pruning

Pruning Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) involves removing the dead and damaged leaves from the plant to improve its appearance and health. Pinch off the dead leaves with your fingers or use a pair of garden scissors to cut them cleanly from the plant. Cut the flower stems to their base once they start to wilt and fade. Avoid cutting back the perennial's foliage to the ground, as this can kill the plant.

Propagation of Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell, commonly known as wedgeleaf alumroot, is a beautiful flowering plant popular among gardeners for its attractive foliage and showy blooms. Propagating this plant can help increase its numbers, create new plants that retain the same characteristics as the parent plant, and ensure genetic diversity. There are several ways to propagate Heuchera ×cuneata, including:

Propagation by division

Division is the most common and easiest method of propagating Heuchera ×cuneata. It involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and stems. Dividing the plant in early spring or fall, when the plant is not actively growing, is the best time for successful propagation. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

1. Carefully remove the parent plant from the ground and gently separate the roots using your hands or a garden fork.
2. Remove any dead or diseased leaves, stems, or roots.
3. Divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has a healthy set of roots with enough foliage to support it.
4. Replant each section in a new location where it will receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagating Heuchera ×cuneata by cuttings involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a suitable growing medium. This method is best done during the growing season when the plant is actively producing new growth. To propagate by cuttings, follow these steps:

1. Cut 3-4 inch sections of new growth from the parent plant using a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
2. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving only a few at the top.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.
4. Plant the stem in a small pot filled with a well-draining growing medium, such as sand, perlite, or vermiculite.
5. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location that receives indirect sunlight and keep the growing medium mildly moist until roots are visible.
6. Once roots appear, gradually acclimate the plant to the outdoor environment and transplant it to a permanent location in the ground.

Propagation by seed

Propagation of Heuchera ×cuneata by seed is possible but not recommended, as it is not a reliable method to produce plants identical to the parent plant. This is because the parent plant may have been pollinated by another plant, resulting in genetic variation among the offspring. However, if you'd like to try your hand at propagating by seed, follow these steps:

1. Collect the seeds from the dried flower stalks of the parent plant once they have ripened and turned brown.
2. Clean and dry the seeds completely before storage.
3. Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with a moist growing medium, such as peat moss or potting soil.
4. Place the seed tray in a warm, bright location that receives indirect sunlight and keep the growing medium moist with a spray bottle.
5. Once the seedlings have several leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them to individual pots or to a permanent location in the ground.

Disease Management

Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) is generally a low maintenance plant that is relatively resistant to diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this plant:

• Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant. Additionally, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. In severe cases, fungicides may be necessary.
• Crown rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the base of the plant. Infected plants may have wilted leaves and a soft, mushy stem at the base. The best way to manage crown rot is to remove infected plants and improve drainage in the area. Additionally, infected soil should be removed and replaced with fresh soil. Fungicides may also be necessary.
• Botrytis: This is a fungal disease that causes greyish-brown spots on leaves and stems. Infected leaves may also become curled or distorted. To manage botrytis, it is important to remove infected plant material and maintain good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be necessary in severe cases.

Pest Management

Like most plants, Heuchera ×cuneata T.J. Howell (pro sp.) may be susceptible to a few pests. Here are some common pests that may affect this plant:

• Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in leaves and cause significant damage to the plant. To manage slugs and snails, it is important to remove any hiding places near the plant and handpick the pests off the plant. Additionally, bait traps and copper barriers can be used.
• Aphids: These pests suck sap from the plant and can cause distorted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, it is important to remove them with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the garden to control their populations.
• Spider mites: These pests feed on the undersides of leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. Infected leaves may have a stippled appearance and may become yellow or brown. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain good moisture levels around the plant and remove any affected leaves. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or miticides may be necessary.