Heuchera cylindrica (roundleaf alum root) — perennial

Overview

Heuchera cylindrica is a perennial in the genus Heuchera, part of the Saxifragaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Heuchera cylindrica grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Western N America.

About the genus

Heuchera is a genus of largely evergreen perennial plants in the family Saxifragaceae. All species are native to North America except for Heuchera sichotensis, native to the Russian Far East. Common names include alumroot and coral bells.

Wikipedia contributors, "Heuchera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heuchera

In the garden

Native to western North America, Heuchera cylindrica belongs to the saxifrage family and is valued for its compact stature and seasonal flowering. In the UK it will grow to roughly 0.5 m and flowers from May to August, so plan for summer interest when siting plants. Place Heuchera cylindrica in full sun where soils are sandy or loamy and hold moisture without becoming waterlogged. The plant's preference for moist but well-drained conditions means an open soil structure is helpful; incorporate grit or coarse sand into heavy soils to improve drainage while retaining some moisture. It is rated H7 — fully hardy in the UK — and corresponds to USDA zones 4–8, so no winter protection is normally required where drainage is free. Use this species where a low, flowering perennial is required: front or middle of a mixed border, loose gravel pockets, or on a sunny slope. Plants reach about half a metre, so allow space for short-lived flowering stems to rise above the foliage between May and August; cut these back after flowering if you prefer a tidier appearance.