Heuchera americana

American Alumroot, Coral Bells

Heuchera, or Alumroot, or Coral Bells is a wonderful, low, evergreen perennial with beautiful foliage which remains attractive year ’round if its cultural requirements are met. It does flower, but is often grown purely for its rich, patterned foliage which shows a wide array of leaf colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes. The flowers are not strikingly showy, but they do add a touch of airiness to the feel. Well spaced (18″), Heuchera serves as a ground cover, especially along borders, and will add a lush texture to any shade garden. Leaf coloration is best with more sun, but in the heat of our piedmont climate some shade, particularly in the afternoon, is necessary to prevent scorching. Overall, it grows best in part shade or filtered sun, in moist, well drained, humus-rich soil. Plants require good drainage and tolerate drought and rocky soils. It is a tidy plant, and looks great in a container on the deck. The plant is native to central and eastern North America and in NC, grows mostly in mountain and piedmont counties.