Island Alum Root (Heuchera maxima) is a versatile flowering plant for many landscaping applications. This special plant is endemic to three of California's eight Channel Islands. Rare in the wild, it is typically found living on cliffsides.
In the garden, it makes a beautiful evergreen perennial groundcover in compact mounds thanks to its large, multi-lobed foliage, with a slight fuzziness on the edge of each leaf. Attractive light pink clusters of nodding bell-shaped flowers can reach nearly two feet tall.
Given its coastal origins, Island Alum Root performs best in coastal gardens in full sun or part shade. Farther inland, it may require full shade and additional water.
We love planting Island Alum Root planted in large masses. In woodland gardens, it can succeed under the dappled shade of mature trees and and make a lovely California native, pollinator-supporting substitute for common exotic plants that accomodate shade, such as Hostas.
Heuchera maxima - Island Alum Root
Optimal Growth Conditions
- Mature Height: 2 - 3 feet
- Mature Width: 2 - 3 feet
- Sun: Filtered Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
- Water: Low, Moderate
- Soil Drainage: Fast, Medium
Geographic Appropriateness
- USDA Zone: Zones 4 - 9
- Sunset Zone: Zones 1 - 9, 14 - 24
- Native Sites: Chaparral and coastal sage scrub, particularly on rocky or sandy cliffs and sea bluffs on the northern Channel Islands
Additional Landscaping Information
- Characteristics: California Native, Flowering
- Special Uses: Containers, Groundcover, Lawn Alternative