Origin
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw., also known as Alpine Alumroot, is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). This plant is native to western North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, and many western states of the United States such as Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Montana.
Common Names
This plant goes by several common names such as Alpine Alumroot, Roundleaf Alumroot, and Nevada Alumroot.
Uses
Native American tribes have used the roots of Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. for various medicinal purposes. The roots were boiled, and the resulting tea was used to treat wounds, coughs, and gastrointestinal disorders. The leaves were also used as a poultice for treating swellings and burns. Some people still use the leaves and roots of this plant for medicinal purposes.
Apart from its medicinal uses, Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. is grown as an ornamental plant in many gardens. Its beautiful foliage and small, delicate flowers add color and texture to any landscape. It is also a popular choice for rock gardens and is drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance plant for landscaping.
General Appearance
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. is a herbaceous perennial that grows 10-20 cm tall and 15-30 cm wide. The leaves are round to kidney-shaped and have scalloped edges. They grow in a rosette pattern at the base of the plant and are typically green, but some varieties have red, purple, or silver leaves. The flowers are small and grow on long, thin stalks, with color ranging from white to pink to red. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer. The roots are fleshy and cylindrical, hence the name “cylindrica.” Overall, this plant has a compact and tidy appearance, making it an excellent plant for bedding, borders, or container planting.
Growth Conditions for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw.
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. or alpine heuchera is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that is typically found in alpine and subalpine regions. To ensure the plant's growth and development, specific environmental conditions must be met.
Light Requirements
Alpine heuchera thrives in partial shade to full sunlight. However, in hot and dry summers, the plant prefers to be in partial shade to prevent wilting and scorching of the leaves. In areas with long winters, placing the plant in full sunlight helps encourage flower production.
Temperature Requirements
Alpine heuchera is a cold-hardy plant that grows best in cool climates. Ideal daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C. During the winter, when the ground is covered with snow, the plant goes dormant and tolerates temperatures as low as -10°C.
Soil Requirements
Alpine heuchera grows well in well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. Sandy soils, loamy soils, and rocky soils are all suitable. A pH range of 6 to 7.5 is ideal for the plant. The soil must be rich in organic matter as it provides the necessary nutrients for growth.
Given the correct environmental conditions, alpine heuchera can be an easy-to-care-for plant that is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Cultivation Methods
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. is a hardy perennial that can grow in USDA zones 5-9. This plant grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay.
When planting, space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and just as deep. Mix in a good quality fertilizer to help the plant establish itself. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the plant is established.
Watering Needs
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. prefers evenly moist soil. Be sure to water the plant regularly during dry spells. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to let the soil become waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant deeply once a week.
Fertilization
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. benefits from regular fertilization. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen in the spring, and again in mid-summer. A liquid fertilizer can also be used every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. does not require regular pruning. However, it is a good idea to remove any dead or damaged foliage as soon as possible. This will maintain the appearance of the plant and prevent diseases from spreading. Additionally, trimming back the flower stalks after they bloom can encourage the plant to produce more flowers later in the season.
Propagation of Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw.
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw., commonly known as alpine alumroot, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to rocky mountainous regions of North America and is popular among gardeners for its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers. If you are interested in propagating Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw., here are some propagation methods you can try:
Seed propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. is through seed propagation. Collect the seeds from the plant when they are ripe and dry. Sow the seeds in a container filled with sterile growing medium and keep the container in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and the seeds should germinate in a few weeks. Once the seedlings are big enough, transplant them to their permanent location.
Division propagation
Another propagation method for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. is division propagation. This method involves dividing the plant into multiple smaller portions and replanting them. Dig up the clump of the plant during the dormant season and carefully separate the individual crowns. Each crown should have some leaves and roots attached. Replant the divided crowns in a well-draining soil mixture and water them thoroughly.
Leaf cutting propagation
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. can also be propagated through leaf cuttings. Take a healthy, mature leaf and cut it into a few sections. Each section should have a small section of the leaf petiole attached. Dip the cut end of the leaf cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a container filled with a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the container in a bright location and keep the soil moist. Within a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and new growth.
Propagation of Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. is a rewarding and satisfying activity. With a little time and patience, you can easily propagate this beautiful plant and add it to your garden.
Disease Management
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. is generally resistant to most diseases. However, sometimes it can suffer from foliar diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is seen as a white powdery coating on the leaves, while rust appears as yellow to orange raised spots on the undersides of the leaves. Leaf spot, on the other hand, develops as dark spots on the leaves.
To manage foliar diseases, it's crucial to keep the foliage dry, especially during the night; this is to reduce the humidity around the plants. Water the plant from below, or in the morning so that the sun can dry out the leaves during the day. Prune any affected parts of the plant and dispose of them to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. alpina Sw. can be under attack by pests. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include aphids, spider mites, snails, and slugs. Aphids are tiny insects that colonize the underside of the leaves, while spider mites appear as tiny white specks on the leaves. Snails and slugs feed on the foliage, leaving holes and shredded material on the leaves.
The best way to manage pests is through prevention. Keep the area around the plant clean and free from debris; this can help reduce some of the hiding places for pests. Regularly inspect the plant for pest infestations, and choose natural pest deterrents like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or pyrethrin sprays that are less harmful to beneficial insects. Applying copper-based fungicides can help control snails and slugs.
If you are dealing with severe pest infestations, you can use pesticides as a last resort, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use only EPA-approved pesticides.
