General Description
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock, commonly known as the roundleaf alumroot, is a herbaceous perennial plant. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family and is native to North America. The plant has a clumping growth habit that grows up to 30 cm tall and wide.
Appearance
The plant features a basal rosette of rounded to cordate, deep green leaves that are lobed and toothed at the edges. The leaves of the plant grow up to 7 cm in size and are slightly hairy. The plant produces tall, wiry stems bearing clusters of greenish-white flowers in late spring. The flowers are small and inconspicuous but are borne in a dense raceme up to 60 cm tall.
Uses
The roundleaf alumroot is a popular garden plant due to its attractive foliage. The plant is ideal for planting in garden borders, woodland gardens, and rock gardens. The plant prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes. Native American tribes used the roots of the plant to treat sore throats and mouth ulcers. The plant contains compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Overall, Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock is a beautiful and useful plant with attractive foliage and beneficial medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Heuchera cylindrica var. ovalifolia thrives in bright but indirect sunlight. The plant can tolerate partial shade but does not grow well in full shade. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause the plant to wilt. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
Temperature Requirements
Heuchera cylindrica var. ovalifolia grows well in temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures of up to 30°C, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the leaves to yellow and wilt. During the winter months, the plant goes dormant and can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C. However, it is important to ensure that the plant does not freeze.
Soil Requirements
Heuchera cylindrica var. ovalifolia grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth. The root system of the plant is shallow, so it is important to ensure that the soil is not compacted. The addition of compost or leaf mold can improve the soil quality. The plant is sensitive to salt, so avoid using fertilizers that are high in salt content.
Cultivation
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock is a hardy perennial that can be grown in USDA zones 5-9. It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained, moist soil. The plant can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and wide, and it blooms from late spring to mid-summer.
Watering Needs
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock requires regular watering during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as this can cause leaf spot and other fungal diseases. Instead, water the plant at the base.
Fertilization
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and bloom. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock does not require extensive pruning. However, you can remove dead and damaged leaves in early spring or as needed to keep the plant looking neat. You can also cut back the entire plant after it finishes blooming, which can encourage a second flush of growth and bloom later in the season.
Propagation of Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock, also known as cylindrical alumroot, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to North America. It produces impressive basal leaves that are rounded and deeply lobed, with a dark green color that turns into beautiful reddish-bronze in the fall. The plant also produces tall spikes of tiny bell-shaped white flowers that bloom in summer, making it a desirable ornamental plant to grow in gardens, borders, and containers.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Heuchera cylindrica var. ovalifolia is by seeds. Seeds can be collected from the capsule-like fruits that are produced after the flowers have faded. Collect the fruits when they turn dark brown and started to open, then place them on a tray to dry. Once dry, rub the fruits gently to remove the seeds and store them in a cool, dry location until ready to use.
To plant Heuchera seeds, prepare a soil mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite in equal parts and moisten it slightly. Sow the seeds on the soil surface and cover them with a light layer of vermiculite. Keep the soil moist and place the tray in a warm and bright location, or alternatively, place it in a cold frame or greenhouse. Seeds will germinate in two to four weeks.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagating Heuchera cylindrica var. ovalifolia is through division. This method is ideal for mature plants that have outgrown their space, and for those who want to create new plants that resemble the original plant. The best time to divide Heuchera plants is in early spring when new growth appears.
To divide Heuchera plants, dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the roots into smaller sections with a sharp knife. Each section should have a healthy root system and a cluster of leaves. Plant each section in well-draining soil, and water it well. Keep the newly divided plant in a shaded location and avoid drying out the soil. The plant will establish new roots, and growth will resume within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock is generally a hardy plant but some diseases may still affect it. The most common diseases that may affect this plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Here are some ways to manage these diseases:
- Powdery mildew: This disease appears as a powdery substance on leaves and stems. To manage it, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil every week until all symptoms of the disease are eliminated.
- Leaf spot: This disease is characterized by the presence of black or brown spots on the leaves. To manage it, prune off any affected leaves and destroy them. You may also apply a copper-based fungicide to the plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage it, you should ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil is well-draining. You may also plant the Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock in a raised bed to improve drainage.
Pest Management
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. ovalifolia (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Wheelock is not generally prone to pest problems, but some pests may still attack it. The most common pests that may affect this plant include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Here are some ways to manage these pests:
- Aphids: These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and soap. You can also attract natural predators like ladybugs to feed on the aphids.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and can be difficult to spot. You can manage them by keeping the plant well-watered and by spraying it regularly with water.
- Slugs: These pests can be controlled by physically removing them from the plant and surrounding soil. You can also use slug baits to prevent them from attacking the plant.
