Origin
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This variety is native to North America, specifically in the northern regions of Alaska and Canada.
Common Names
This plant is known by several common names. Some of the popular ones include Northern cylindrical alumroot, Northern heuchera, and Roundstem alumroot.
Uses
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela has several uses in traditional medicine. Indigenous people of Alaska and Canada have been using this plant for various ailments like wounds, stomachaches, and bronchitis. The root of this plant is boiled and made into tea. It is said to have a bitter taste and can act as a pain reliever. In addition to its medicinal uses, this plant is also used as an ornamental plant for gardens and landscaping. Its stunning colors and texture add character to gardens and create an aesthetic appeal.
General Appearance
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela, is a slow-growing plant with a fibrous root system. Its leaves are evergreen and tightly clustered forming a rosette. The leaves are heart-shaped with rounded lobes at the base and are generally green. The flowers grow in clusters on tall stems and are typically pinkish or white with red spots. The plant can reach a height of 12 to 18 inches and can spread up to 2 feet.
Growth Conditions of Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela is a low-growing herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It is commonly known as Northern Heuchera or Roundleaf Alumroot. It typically grows in a compact clump and produces small bell-shaped flowers on thin stalks.
Light Requirements
Heuchera cylindrica requires partial to full shade for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause them to wilt. In areas with hot summers, it is best to provide some protection from the afternoon sun. However, too much shade can result in weak and leggy growth, so some filtered sunlight is necessary.
Temperature Requirements
Heuchera cylindrica is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. In colder regions, it can survive freezing temperatures and may even go dormant during the winter months. In hotter regions, it may require more shade and moisture to prevent the leaves from drying out.
Soil Requirements
Heuchera cylindrica prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic. It grows best in soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and able to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Adding compost or organic mulch can help improve soil fertility and drainage. In areas with poor drainage, it is recommended to plant Heuchera cylindrica in raised beds or containers.
Cultivation methods for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela is a native plant that thrives well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. It prefers to grow in partial sun or shade without too much exposure to the sun.
For cultivation, the soil should be well-draining and fertile. The ideal soil pH for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela is acidic to slightly alkaline. The roots are shallow, so adding mulch around them can help keep the soil moist and regulate temperatures.
Watering needs for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela
The plant requires moderate watering, especially in summer, when temperatures are high, and the soil dries out faster. Ideally, the soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Watering in the mornings is recommended to allow moisture to penetrate the soil before the sun's intensity increases during the day.
Fertilization for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela requires relatively low fertilizer needs. However, regular fertilizing ensures that the plant grows healthy and strong. Fertilization in early spring before new growth appears or in late fall after the plant has gone dormant is usually preferred. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is the best option.
Pruning for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela
Pruning the plant is essential to ensure its health and optimal growth. The best time to prune is in the fall when the plant has gone dormant. Dead or yellow leaves should be removed from the inner part of the plant. No more than 30 % of the plant should be removed at a time. Overpruning can weaken the plant and reduce its durability.
Propagation methods of Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl, Butters & Lakela, commonly known as northern alumroot, can be propagated by various methods, including seed propagation, division, and basal cuttings.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Heuchera cylindrica var. septentrionalis by seed can be done in the fall. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and lightly covered. It is important to keep the soil moist and at a temperature between 60-70°F. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual containers or a larger growing area.
Division
Division is a simple and effective way to propagate Heuchera cylindrica var. septentrionalis. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, each with a healthy root system and several leaf rosettes. Replant the divisions in a well-draining soil mix, and water thoroughly.
Basal cuttings
Basal cuttings of Heuchera cylindrica var. septentrionalis can be taken in the spring. Select a healthy plant and remove the entire crown. Cut the crown into several pieces, each with a leaf rosette and a small section of the root system. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist. The cuttings should root within a few weeks and can be transplanted into individual containers or a larger growing area.
Disease Management
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. septentrionalis Rosendahl is relatively resistant to diseases. However, in humid and wet conditions, certain diseases can affect the lower foliage of the plant.
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects Heuchera plants. It is identified by the appearance of circular or angular spots on the leaves. The spots vary in color from tan to dark brown, with a reddish or purple border. Over time, the affected leaves may yellow and drop, leading to defoliation.
Crown rot is another fungal disease that can affect Heuchera plants. It is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the plant's roots and crown. Symptoms of crown rot include wilting and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and plant death.
To manage fungal diseases, it is best to maintain good sanitation practices. Avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation. Remove infected plant material and dispose of it properly. Fungicidal sprays may also be used as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
Heuchera plants are susceptible to various pests, which can affect their growth and overall health. Some common pests that affect Heuchera include aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap. Leaves infested with aphids may curl or become distorted. Thrips are tiny, slender insects that cause similar damage to aphids, but they can also cause scarring on the plant's leaves.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect Heuchera plants. They are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to become stippled and discolored.
Pest management strategies include maintaining good plant hygiene by removing dead plant material and weeds. Additionally, natural predators of these pests, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can be encouraged in the garden. In severe cases, insecticidal soaps or oils may be used to control pests.
