Origin
Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones, also known as dissectedleaf alumroot, is a native perennial plant in the family Saxifragaceae. It is commonly found in the western regions of North America, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast.
Common Names
Dissectedleaf alumroot is known by a variety of common names, including mountain alumroot, smallleaf alumroot, Oregon alumroot, and dissected heuchera.
Uses
Historically, the roots of Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones were used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, such as to treat diarrhea and venereal diseases. More recently, the plant has gained popularity as a common ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.
General Appearance
Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones typically grows to be about 10 to 15 inches tall and spread out to around 12 inches. It has small, lobed leaves that are green in color with a slightly hairy texture. The plant produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers that are typically pink or white and bloom in the late spring to early summer. Overall, the dissectedleaf alumroot is an elegant and striking plant that can add interest and texture to any garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones prefers partial to full shade conditions. They can tolerate a little bit of morning sunlight, but too much direct sunlight can damage the plant.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones is between 55-75°F (13-24°C). This plant can tolerate both hot summers and cold winters but does better in milder climates.
Soil Requirements
Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones prefers slightly acidic soil, with a pH range between 6.0-6.8. This plant needs well-draining soil with a high amount of organic matter. Adding organic compost to the soil will help improve drainage and moisture retention.
Cultivation of Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones
Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones of 5 to 9. The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can thrive in partial shade to full sun conditions, but partial shade is ideal.
Watering Needs of Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid watering the plant excessively as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. During the hot and dry summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization of Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones
Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. Alternatively, liquid fertilizers can be used every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning of Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones
Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones does not require regular pruning. However, removing the faded flower stems and yellowing leaves can help maintain the plant's appearance. Prune the plant in winter before new growth appears in spring. Cut back the plant to the ground level to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
Propagation of Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones
Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones is a herbaceous perennial plant that can be propagated by various methods. The most common methods of propagation for Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones are by seed, division, and leaf cuttings.
Propagation by seed
Seeds of Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones can be sown in containers or directly in the garden. When planting in containers, use a good quality potting mix, and sow the seeds thinly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and ensure that the soil is kept moist throughout the germination period. The seeds will typically germinate in 2 to 4 weeks.
Propagation by division
Division is a popular method of propagating Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones. Divide the plant during the spring or fall, when the plant is dormant. Gently lift the plant, and using a sharp knife, divide the plant into smaller pieces. Each division should have roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil, and water them well after planting.
Propagation by leaf cuttings
Propagation by leaf cuttings can be done during the summer months. Select a healthy leaf and cut a small section of the leaf, including the petiole. Dip the cut end of the leaf in rooting hormone and plant it in a container filled with potting mix. Keep the container in a shaded area, and ensure that the soil is kept moist. The leaf cutting should root within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones
Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones, commonly known as dissected alumroot, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to North America. While the plant is typically disease and pest-resistant, it can occasionally be affected by some issues that hinder its growth and reproductive success.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Heuchera parvifolia is leaf spot. This disease is caused by a fungus that can cause brown or black spots on the leaves, leading to leaf yellowing and eventually, defoliation. You can minimize this issue by ensuring proper plant spacing, good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering. Remove any infected foliage and providing adequate fertilization can help reduce the severity of this disease.
Another disease that can affect Heuchera parvifolia is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. Overhead watering and high humidity levels favor the spread of this disease. You can control this issue by pruning infected plant parts, improving plant spacing and air circulation, and applying fungicides in severe cases.
Common Pests
Heuchera parvifolia can also be affected by some pests like a mite that can cause leaf curling and then defoliation if left unchecked. Removing the affected leaves or treating the plant with a suitable miticide can control the spread of mites. Slugs and snails are another common pest that can feed on the leaves and cause significant damage. Reducing the mulch layer surrounding the plant, creating barriers with copper strips, and using iron-phosphate baits can control the presence of these pests effectively.
Other common pests include aphids and borers, which can cause wilted and stunted growth. Regular inspection and spray treatments with insecticides can prevent severe infestations and reduce the damage caused by these pests.
Overall, Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. dissecta M.E. Jones is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is not typically affected by significant diseases or pests. However, plant growers and breeders should regularly inspect their plants to minimize the effect of any issues and promote healthy development of this beautiful plant.
