Heuchera richardsonii - PRAIRIE ALUM ROOT (CORAL BELLS)

Heuchera richardsonii is a very nice clump-forming coral bells with attractive leaves. Small greenish-white flowers rise above the green mounds of leaves in mid to late summer.

This is a quite reliable perennial with a dense, ground-covering habit. It can handle dry half-shade or light dry shade, and can be used as a lawn substitute in these difficult areas. Deer can browse on the foliage, but it's not their preferred food.

Use it as an edging plant or ground-covering perennial in flower beds, rock gardens, woodland gardens, woodland edges, native plant gardens, low maintenance landscaping, and deer resistant plantings. Depending on its look, it is recommended to divide it after 4 years of growth.

It can be combined with many perennials - among these are Echinacea, hardy Geraniums, Heliopsis, Penstemon digitalis, Perovskia, Rudbeckia, Stachys and medium sized grasses like Schizachyrium, Sporobolus, or Muhlenbergia. The dark green leaves look good with gray and blue colors.

Blooming Time: May/June to July
Size: 0.5' tall x 1-1.5' wide
USDA Zones: 3 to 9
Culture: full sun to half shade, average, somewhat drained soils
Moisture Needs: dry to average
Origin: native to Northwestern North America (see the USDA distribution map); grows on slopes, in uplands, open woodlands or along railroads, so in places that don't retain water and are well-drained
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes, may be browsed occasionally
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: yes, offers nectar and pollen to some small native bees, including one specialized for this plant
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 4" perennial pot