Heuchera micrantha (small-leaved alum root) — perennial

Overview

Heuchera micrantha is a perennial in the genus Heuchera, part of the Saxifragaceae family. It typically grows around 0.7 m tall. Heuchera micrantha grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to western North America.

About

Heuchera micrantha is a perennial in the Saxifrage family with small, lobed leaves often coated in glandular hairs. Flowering stems rise to around 0.7 m and bear clusters of small pink, white or greenish flowers from May to August. Leaves range from green through reddish-green to purple-green and usually sit on long, gland-dotted petioles. It prefers full sun in sandy or loamy soils that are moist but well drained and is fully hardy (H7).

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heuchera micrantha

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

Heuchera micrantha is a perennial saxifrage native to western North America. Plants form low leaf rosettes topped by erect flowering stems that commonly reach about 0.7 m; the flowers appear from May to August and are typically pink, white or greenish. Leaf colour varies and often shows glandular hairs that give the foliage a textured look. Give it a sunny site in soil that leans sandy or loamy and drains freely while retaining some moisture. Avoid waterlogged conditions; a consistently moist but well-drained medium suits it best. In the UK it is fully hardy (H7) and overlaps USDA zones 4–9, so it tolerates cold winters typical of most gardens here. Use Heuchera micrantha where a compact leaf mound with airy summer flower stems is wanted: sunny borders, sand-based or gravel beds and larger containers that hold a moisture-retentive but draining compost. Allow space for the flowering stems to rise above neighbouring low-growing plants so the small clusters of blooms are visible; the combination of long petioles and small rounded flowers gives a restrained summer display from May to August.