Heuchera hirsutissima

Heuchera hirsutissima, Idyllwild Rock Flower is a flat little perennial that grows at higher elevations but is welcome in most California gardens. It grows 1-2 foot across with 1 inch dark green leaves and a flower spike of blood red flowers that up close look white. This plant is a mass of paradoxes. It grows in rocky sites at high elevations in Southern  California among and  below snow fields and under Jeffery Pines.  As the snow melts these sites stay moist until maybe May.

This Alum Root has surprised me over and over again. It is more cold tolerant than any dainty delicate could be. The plants had showy flowers on them for months with no heat or sun burn on flowers or leaves. So.... this plant can grow at the timberline, in part shade along the edge of the desert or in coastal valley.  Just give it some moisture with good drainage and a little filtered or afternoon shade. In coastal towns like Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco Heuchera hirsutissima will grow in full sun and is pretty drought tolerant. It is very popular with even the hummingbirds.

In a coastal garden use with Eriogonum umbellatum polyanthum, Zauschneria septentrionalis, Penstemon rostriflorus, and Wayne Roderick Daisy.