Hairy alumroot (Heuchera villosa) is a perennial evergreen that grows on cliff sides, boulders, and rocky areas throughout its native eastern United States. There are two distinct varieties of hairy alumroot that grow on opposite sides of the Appalachian mountains.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Heuchera villosa, the hairy alumroot, is a small evergreen perennial native to the Eastern United States. It is found only on rock outcrops, growing on cliffs and boulders.
They will grow best in part-shade with moist yet well-drained soils. This short, evergreen perennial has hairy, maple-like leaves, like its common name suggests. Although the velvety leaves are typically green, some are tinted bronze or purple. Hairy Alumroot will tolerate full sun in Northern climates with adequate moisture.
Hairy Alumroot sends up tall flowering stems that maintain long-lasting soft pink or white blooms throughout the summer. The flower spikes attract hummingbirds and a variety of other pollinators.
There are two described varieties, which are sometimes considered distinct species. They are:
- Heuchera villosa var. macrorhiza – On calcareous substrates, primarily west of the Appalachian Mountains
- Heuchera villosa var. villosa – On acidic substrates, primarily of the Appalachian Mountains and eastward
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
The hairy alumroot is happiest in partial shade with around 4-6 hours of sunlight a day, but it can also tolerate full sun if its soil is not allowed to dry out. The most significant risk of growing the hairy alumroot in full sun is that the leaves may become scorched. The roots can also dry out very quickly if not monitored properly.
Most hairy alumroot varieties will also tolerate full shade, though the color of their leaves may be a little duller. Be sure to check your specific type before planting to ensure that your plant receives adequate levels of sunlight. A good tip is that darker colored varieties will tolerate full sun better than lighter colored varieties.
Temperature
Native to North America and Mexico, the hairy alumroot is a hardy plant. This plant will thrive in temperatures around 15 to 18 ℃, as long as it has access to sunlight. It can happily withstand temperatures as low as 4 ℃, but if the temperature drops below -22 ℃, severe damage may be caused.
Watering
As the hairy alumroot is relatively drought-resistant once settled, its watering needs are quite infrequent. As a general rule, your hairy alumroot will probably not need watering in the fall and winter. However, during summer dry spells, it is essential to water your plants more regularly. Around 2.5 cm of water a week should be sufficient.
To protect the foliage from sun scorching, water in the early morning at the base of the plant. plants in containers will require a little more water, so be sure to check the soil regularly and adjust the watering schedule as needed.
Soil
The optimum soil for your hairy alumroot is light and well-draining, with a pH value of 5.5 – 6.5 (so slightly acidic). A soil that won’t become water-logged is essential – this plant will really suffer if its roots remain overly wet for long periods. The best type of soil for this plant is humus-rich, as well as soft and porous. To ensure that the soil drains well, you may wish to plant in raised beds.
Fertilizing
The hairy alumroot is not a heavy feeder and so does not need fertilizer to grow well. However, adding mulch and a little fish, blood, and bone in the spring will ensure that it has access to all the nutrients it needs to flourish. Avoid feeding your hairy alumroot with fertilizers rich in nitrogen, as this will encourage fleshy foliage that is more likely to rot. plants in containers may require a little more help in the form of an all-purpose or slow-release fertilizer.
Planting Instructions
When planting your hairy alumroot, select an area that is partly shaded during the afternoon, which is usually the hottest time of the day. The hairy alumroot can be planted in either spring or fall, but if planting in spring, be sure that the final frost has passed. If planting in fall, try to plant earlier in the season, so that the hairy alumroot can become well established before the cold weather sets in.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and work some blood, fish, and bone into the soil. Depending on the size of your species when mature, plant 30 to 61 cm apart, with the base of the foliage at soil level or slightly above. Fill the soil in around the root ball before firming the soil down gently. Water generously to settle the surrounding soil.
The hairy alumroot is also well suited to being planted in a container, as it doesn’t mind being confined. If planting in a container, be sure that the pot has suitable drainage holes. You may also wish to put a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.
Pruning
Remove any dead or damaged leaves from the foliage in the spring to make way for fresher, more colorful leaves. You can deadhead flower stalks that have become faded from ground level to encourage a longer bloom time or more impressive foliage. Nutrients are stored in the leaves, so it is important not to prune them back in late fall.
Look for any woody stems. These will usually be longer than recent growth and won’t have new growth. Cut them out with a pair of sharp secateurs so that all energy can go to further growth.
Propagation
The simplest method of propagation for the hairy alumroot is division. It needs to be divided to prevent crowding, so divide your plant when its stems become woody, which happens every three or four years.
The perfect time to do so is at the beginning of fall. Divide the plant, leaving each section with 2 or 3 rosettes. Shorten long roots, and treat any rotted roots with coal powder after cleaning. plant sections of the divided plant a little deeper than the mother plant was planted, with around 25 cm of space between plants. Once planted, water and mulch the area and roots should take within a month.
You can also propagate the hairy alumroot through cuttings. Take cuttings in early summer, cutting from the mother bush as close to the soil surface as possible. Treat the cuttings with a rooting hormone, before planting in a mixture of peat and sand. Water well and cover with a plastic sheet before placing in partial shade. Air the cuttings and moisten the soil often – rooting should occur in 3-4 weeks.
Transplanting
The optimal transplanting time for hairy alumroot is early to mid-spring or mid-fall to early winter, promoting healthy root establishment. Choose a location providing partial shade, with well-draining soil. Gently loosen the roots before planting for best results.Â
Overwintering
A mulch will also help the hairy alumroot survive in the cold winter months by protecting its roots from frost. However, be sure not to mulch the center of the plant, as this can cause it to rot. During the freezing winter weather, the hairy alumroot will often lift out of the soil, leaving gaps around the roots. If this happens, replant and cover the area with a little compost.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
Heuchera villosa is a great landscaping plant due to its low-mounded profile, attractive foliage and blooms, and its value as a deer resistant plant. It can be used in shade gardens, deer resistant plantings, as a perennial border, or under black walnut (Juglans nigra) trees.
