Overview
Heuchera merriamii is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Heuchera, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with evergreen, rounded, shallowly lobed foliage. Heuchera merriamii grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, containers, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Heuchera merriamii is a species of flowering plant in the saxifrage family known by the common name Merriam's alumroot. It is native to the Klamath Mountains of southern Oregon and northern California, where it grows on the rocky slopes. This is a rhizomatous perennial herb producing a patch of leaves which are rounded and have five to seven lobes along the edges. It produces an erect inflorescence up to about 23 centimeters tall with sparse clusters of pinkish, yellow, or cream flowers. In the garden it prefers partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include borders, containers, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing, north-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heuchera merriamii
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Heuchera
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Heuchera merriamii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Rounded, Shallowly lobed
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Heuchera merriamii
- Propagation
- Division in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Leaf and bud eelworm
- Disease resistance
- Heuchera rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heuchera merriamii?
Heuchera merriamii prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heuchera merriamii need?
Heuchera merriamii grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heuchera merriamii hardy in the UK?
Heuchera merriamii has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Heuchera merriamii?
Division in autumn.
More in the Heuchera genus
- Heuchera 'Northern Fire'alum root 'Northern Fire'
- Heuchera americana 'Eco-magnififolia'American alum root 'Eco-magnififolia'
- Heuchera americana 'Marvelous Marble Silver'American alum root 'Marvelous Marble Silver'
- Heuchera 'Apple Blossom'alum root 'Apple Blossom'
- Heuchera 'Appletini' (Dolce Series)alum root 'Appletini'
- Heuchera 'Apricot Muscat'alum root 'Apricot Muscat'
- Heuchera 'Birkin'alum root 'Birkin'
- Heuchera 'Blushing Bells'alum root 'Blushing Bells'