Red Alumroot Plant Care

Red Alumroot (Heuchera rubescens) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Heuchera genus. Red Alumroot is also known as Pink Alumroot.

Red Alumroot displays a compact mounds, spreading clumps growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Red Alumroot produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers on slender stems in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Alumroot every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Red Alumroot thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Red Alumroot in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Heuchera rubescens tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Red Alumroot prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Red Alumroot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Alumroot every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with part shade to full shade and well-draining, humus-rich soil with added compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Alumroot is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Red Alumroot can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Red Alumroot while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Red Alumroot is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red Alumroot can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coral bells plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Red Alumroot is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, vine weevils. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Red Alumroot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Red Alumroot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.