Overview
Heuchera villosa is a perennial in the genus Heuchera, part of the Saxifragaceae family. Heuchera villosa grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include rock gardens, woodland gardens and ground cover. It is native to Eastern N America.
About
Heuchera villosa, hairy alum root, is a perennial in the Saxifragaceae from Eastern North America commonly used as a ground cover in shaded sites. It favours partial shade to shade and establishes on well-drained, rocky or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The plant tolerates dry to medium soil moisture and is best placed on north- or east-facing, sheltered aspects. Flowers appear from May to August.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heuchera villosa
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 villosa is a perennial member of the saxifrage family native to Eastern North America. In cultivation it is typically grown for its low, spreading habit and its suitability for sites where drier, free-draining soils meet shade. It is a useful choice where soils are gritty or shallow and drainage is reliable. Select a north- or east-facing, sheltered spot in partial shade or shade and work a free-draining, rocky or sandy mix into the planting hole. The species prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions and copes with dry to medium soil moisture, so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Plants establish best where wind exposure is limited. In UK gardens Heuchera villosa suits rock gardens, woodland borders and ground-covering roles beneath taller shade plants. Place in drifts or mixed with other shade perennials to create a textured, low layer. Expect its flowering season from May to August, which provides a mid-to-summer sequence of blooms above the foliage.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Heuchera
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, rocky, sandy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
Plant details
Heuchera villosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, woodland gardens, ground cover
- Native to
- Eastern N America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Heuchera villosa
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil on rocky outcrops; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring.
- Propagation
- division, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Heuchera villosa?
Prefers well-drained soil on rocky outcrops; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Heuchera villosa?
Heuchera villosa prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heuchera villosa need?
Heuchera villosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, rocky and sandy. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Heuchera villosa?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring.
How do I propagate Heuchera villosa?
Division, seed.
More in the Heuchera genus
- Heuchera 'Cappuccino'
- Heuchera amer. 'Dale's Strain'Coral Bells
- Heuchera × brizoidesCoral Bells
- Heuchera × brizoides 'Blooms' Variety'Coral Bells
- Heuchera × brizoides 'Coral Cloud'Coral Bells
- Heuchera × brizoides 'Oakington Jewel'Coral Bells
- Heuchera × brizoides 'Pearl Drops'Coral Bells
- Heuchera × brizoides 'Sparkler'Coral Bells