Overview
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis (Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela) Calder & Savile is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family. Commonly known as Roundleaf Alumroot, this perennial herb is native to North America and is found mainly in the western United States and British Columbia.Description
Roundleaf Alumroot is a low-growing plant with rosettes of rounded leaves that are wider than they are long. The leaves are green, slightly hairy, and have toothed edges. The plant produces tall, thin stems that can reach up to 2 feet in height. At the top of the stem, the plant produces long spikes of small, white or pinkish flowers.Uses
Roundleaf Alumroot has been used medicinally by various Native American tribes. The plant contains tannins and other compounds that have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The roots and leaves can be boiled into a tea and used for conditions such as diarrhea, bleeding gums, and sore throats. Additionally, Roundleaf Alumroot is popular in ornamental gardening due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers. It is often planted in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in borders with other perennials.Cultivation
Roundleaf Alumroot prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. It thrives in cooler temperatures and can tolerate drought once established. The plant can be propagated by seeds or by dividing the root crown in the fall. It is also fairly resistant to pests and diseases.Growth Conditions for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis is a variety of the Heuchera cylindrica species commonly known as roundleaf alumroot. This plant is native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, and it prefers to grow in specific environmental conditions.
Light
Roundleaf alumroot thrives in partial shade to full sun environments. It prefers to grow in areas where it can receive at least four hours of direct sunlight per day, but it can tolerate full shade as long as it gets some dappled light. In areas with too much shade, the plant may become leggy and grow horizontally rather than producing compact, upright stems.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for roundleaf alumroot is between 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a wide range of soil temperatures, but it prefers well-draining soil that does not become waterlogged, especially during the winter months. In general, it is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of temperatures and is perfect for growing in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Soil
Roundleaf alumroot prefers to grow in slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including loam, silt, and clay. When planting this species in sandy soil, it is important to ensure that the soil stays moist, as sandy soil tends to drain quickly. Adding a layer of mulch around the plant can help retain moisture and regulate the soil temperature, promoting healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis (Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela) Calder & Savile prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral pH. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It is recommended to propagate Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis by seed or by dividing established plants. This plant is known to be tolerant to drought, frost, and heat.
Watering Needs
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis requires consistent watering to keep the soil moderately moist. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. During the summer months, when the temperature is high and rainfall is less, one may need to water the plant regularly, at least twice a week. However, during the winter, when the temperature is low and the plant becomes dormant, watering can be reduced to once a week.
Fertilization
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis benefits from fertilization to promote healthy growth and foliage. One can apply a slow-release organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season. If the soil lacks nutrients, one can add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. It is important to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to reduced flowering and inadequate root growth.
Pruning
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading or removing spent flowers can encourage the growth of new blooms. The plant can be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged leaves and to shape the plant. One can also divide the plant every few years to maintain its health and vigor.
Propagation of Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis (Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela) Calder & Savile
There are several methods to propagate Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis:
Seed Propagation
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis can be propagated from seed. Sow seeds in a well-draining soil mixture in a seedling tray. It is best to start seedlings indoors in a warm, bright location and transplant them outdoors when they are a few inches tall. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and germination should take place within 2-4 weeks.
Division
Division is another way to propagate Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis. Divide the plant in the spring, just before new growth begins. Dig up the entire plant and gently separate the roots into several sections, making sure each section has several healthy shoots. Replant each section in a well-draining soil mixture and water them well.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also possible. Take stem cuttings in the spring, just before new growth begins. Cut a stem that is about 6 inches long with a few leaves. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture and water it well. Keep the soil moist but not wet until the cutting has rooted, which should take 2-4 weeks.
Disease Management
The Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis plant is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Crown rot: caused by fungal pathogens, which inhabit the soil and infect the plant's roots. This leads to the rotting of the plant's crown and eventually, the death of the whole plant
- Powdery mildew: a fungal disease that appears as white powdery spots on the leaves and stems. It can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases
- Botrytis blight: a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves, stem dieback, and wilting of the plant. It affects plants that are frequently exposed to high humidity or moisture
To manage these diseases, it is advised to implement the following practices:
- Plant in well-draining soil that is not too wet
- Regularly remove dead leaves and other plant debris to reduce the chances of disease-causing fungi from spreading
- Implement crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases from recurring
- Water the plant from the base rather than overhead to avoid wetting the leaves and stems excessively
- Use fungicides if necessary and always follow the instructions carefully
Pest Management
The Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. orbicularis plant is also vulnerable to pests such as:
- Aphids: tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems. They can lead to stunted growth and deformation of the plant
- Slugs and snails: feed on the leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant, particularly during the night
- Spider mites: small, spider-like insects that feed on the plant's cells, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves
To manage these pests, you can implement the following strategies:
- Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation, and if detected, promptly remove affected parts
- Use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to control aphids and spider mites. These should be applied to the plant leaves and stems
- Use copper tapes around the plant pots to stop slugs and snails from crawling in. You can also use beer traps to attract them and keep them at bay
- Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps which will help in controlling the pests in the garden
