Species

Heuchera americanaCoral Bells

13 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Dale's Strain Alumroot

Heuchera americana 'Dale'

The Story

Plant Bio

Heuchera americana is a woodland perennial native to eastern North America, known for its attractive basal mounds of lobed leaves and airy flower panicles.

'Dale's Strain' is a popular seed-grown variety selected for its striking silver-veined, green to bronze foliage that often develops rich reddish tones in winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Dale's Strain provides superb, multi-season foliage interest with its silver-mottled leaves that shift from green to bronze and red. Its delicate flower wands add a graceful touch to shade gardens, borders, and containers.

Its dense, mounding habit makes it an effective groundcover for suppressing weeds in woodland settings. It is also an excellent choice for edging pathways or defining the front of a shaded border.

The small, bell-shaped flowers are a valuable nectar source for native bees and other small pollinators. Hummingbirds are also frequently attracted to the blooms.

SpeciesHeuchera americanaCoral Bells

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with partial shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant so the crown is slightly above soil level.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Water thoroughly and apply a light layer of mulch around the plant.

Pro Tip

Provide excellent drainage and avoid burying the crown to prevent rot, the most common issue with Heuchera.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Mulch in winter in colder zones to prevent frost heaving.
Remove spent flower stalks to direct energy into foliage growth.
Divide every 3-4 years to rejuvenate the plant.

Don't

Don't plant in waterlogged soil; root rot is a major threat.
Don't bury the crown when planting or mulching.
Avoid deep cultivation around the shallow roots.
Don't over-fertilize, which can lead to weak, floppy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant woodland groundcoverSilver-veined border edgingTextural container accent

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Tiarella cordifolia Brunnera macrophylla Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dale's Strain Alumroot questions

What zones can Dale's Strain Alumroot grow in?

Dale's Strain Alumroot is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dale's Strain Alumroot deer resistant?

Yes — Dale's Strain Alumroot is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Dale's Strain Alumroot bloom?

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

Does Dale's Strain Alumroot need full sun?

Dale's Strain Alumroot does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Dale's Strain Alumroot drought tolerant?

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