Heuchera richardsonii

Coral Bells, Prairie Alumroot

Photo Credit: Prairie Moon

Photo Credit: Taylor Creek Restoration


Heuchera richardsonii

Coral Bells, Prairie Alumroot

This hardy native species that occurs throughout the Northern U.S. and Canada forms a dense mound of slightly ruffled, green leaves that exhibit red-orange fall color. Greenish-cream flower spikes make a nice cut flower. Useful as a small scale groundcover, at the borderÕs edge or on green roofs in dry, sandy or gravelly soils.

Plant Details

  • Zone: 3 - 9
  • Height: 12-24
  • Spread: 12-18
  • Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
  • Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
  • Bloom time: Early Summer, Late Spring
  • Foliage Color: Green Shades
  • Flower Color: Green Shades, White Shades
  • Fragrant: No
  • Good Cut Flower: Yes
  • Native: Native Species
  • Deer resistant: No
  • Rabbit resistant: No
  • Bee-friendly: Yes
  • Attracts butterflies: Yes
  • Attracts hummingbirds: Yes
  • Groundcover: No
  • Roy Diblik Favorite: No

Plant Details

  • Zone: 3 - 9
  • Height: 12-24
  • Spread: 12-18
  • Exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Soil Moisture: Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
  • Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
  • Bloom time: Early Summer, Late Spring
  • Foliage Color: Green Shades
  • Flower Color: Green Shades, White Shades
  • Fragrant: No
  • Good Cut Flower: Yes
  • Native: Native Species
  • Bee-friendly: Yes
  • Deer resistant: No
  • Rabbit resistant: No
  • Attracts butterflies: Yes
  • Attracts hummingbirds: Yes
  • Groundcover: No
  • Roy Diblik Favorite: No

Grower Information

Heuchera is a relatively fast-growing crop that can be planted from the cool early spring months into summer for spring through fall sales. Provide consistent moisture while plugs are being established, then run them on the drier side. Best coloration is typically achieved in part shade; lighter colored varieties require more shade to prevent burning. H. villosa cultivars are especially well-suited to areas with hot, humid summers.

  • PowerPlug Size(s): 32s
  • Optimal Planting Time: Spring
  • Retail Sales Window: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Moisture in Production: Average
  • Requires Shade in Production: Yes
  • Vernalization Required for Bloom: Yes
  • Vernalization Beneficial: No