perennialN. America Native

Poker Alumroot

The Story

Plant Bio

Heuchera cylindrica, the poker alumroot, is a mounding to mat-forming herbaceous perennial native to western North America, producing basal rosettes of leathery, heart-shaped leaves. In late spring and summer, it sends up slender, leafless stems bearing dense, narrow, poker-like spikes of cream to greenish-yellow tubular flowers.

Unlike shade-loving woodland members of the genus, this species naturally inhabits rocky, exposed mountain outcrops and tolerates significantly more direct sunlight. The scalloped, palmately lobed foliage emerges fresh green and remains attractive throughout the growing season.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides neat, low-growing rosettes of leathery foliage topped by distinctive, upright, poker-like flower spikes.

Thrives in rocky, exposed sites and dry crevice plantings where other perennials struggle with poor soil.

Attracts hummingbirds, native bees, and other beneficial insect pollinators to its nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

35"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with excellent drainage, such as a rock garden, slope, or raised bed, in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil mixed with coarse sand or grit if needed to improve drainage, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the crown to prevent moisture retention against the stems.

Pro Tip

Plant on a slight mound or in rocky, highly permeable soil to keep the crown dry; burying the crown too deeply or planting in heavy clay invites fatal crown rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly, especially during wet winter months.
Provide afternoon shade in hot, southern climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Divide congested clumps every three to four years in fall to maintain vigor.

Don't

Do not bury the central crown below the soil surface when planting.
Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in soggy, waterlogged conditions.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensBorder edgingsSlopes and banksContainer plantings

Companion Plants

Sedum Penstemon Achillea Campanula

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Poker Alumroot questions

What zones can Poker Alumroot grow in?

Poker Alumroot is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Poker Alumroot deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Poker Alumroot, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Poker Alumroot bloom?

Poker Alumroot typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Poker Alumroot need full sun?

Poker Alumroot does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Poker Alumroot drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Poker Alumroot handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.