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Heuchera maxima

Also Known As

Coral Bells
Island Alum Root

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 1'-2'
W: 1'-3'

planting zones

8a-10b

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Heuchera maxima plant details

Heuchera maxima is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring pink and white flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Heuchera maxima

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: saxifragaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, edging plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Heuchera maxima

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: alkaline, average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Alum root is a 2' rhizomatous perennial with 3' spikes of small pinkish flowers that hang prettily from the ends of their delicate stalks in February - April. This plant makes a great choice for edging in a shady border with its gorgeous heart-shaped leaves. Also, this is an accepted groundcover under evergreen oaks in California (just don't water in the summer!). This plant is drought tolerant. Endemic to California, Channel Islands Provides nectar for humming birds Natives of the Northwest U.S. have used tonic derived of Alumroot roots to aid digestive difficulties, but extraction from the root can also be used to stop minor bleeding, reduce inflammation, and otherwise shrink moist tissues after swelling. Found in cliffs in canyons. Communitites located in Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub .

By: The Watershed Nursery

The most robust Heuchera in our opinion, this reliable native grows to 2' tall with a 2' spread. The lobed, heart-shaped green leaves form a basal clump and are often mottled with gray or pale green markings. Numerous cream-colored flowers appear on tall stalks from February to April and move gracefully in the slightest breeze. Plants perform best with moderate summer water but are surprisingly drought tolerant in shady situations. An exceptional choice for naturalizing under native oak trees, we recommend it with enthusiasm. Hardy to 10F. Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and Channel Islands.

By: Native Sons

This "Alum root" is a thing of great and delicate beauty. The gorgeous, shiny, heart shaped leaves are a show all by themselves, and remain in constant production, making this easy to grow Channel Island native, attractive all year round. In late Spring, airy panicles of numerous, tiny, bell-shaped, whitish-pinkish flowers hang prettily from the ends of the thread-like stalks. 2 feet tall, 1 - 2 feet spread. Highly recommended by everyone who's grown it! Drought tolerant but prettier with some summer water.