Botanical family: Saxifragaceae

Heuchera sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Heuchera sp., also known as Alumroot, is a low-growing, groundcover hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. This small plant prefers full sun, semi-shade, or shade with moderate water. In summer months, the plant is adorned with an abundance of pink, white, off-white, red, crimson, vinous, yellow, and orange flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage is ornamental in itself, with plum purple leaves and burgundy-colored veins.

Heuchera is ideal for rock gardens, containers, or landscape edging. For those in cold climates, Heuchera can be grown in a pot and moved indoors during times of extreme cold. When planting Heuchera ap., make sure to choose a location that is well-drained and only water the plant as needed. The soil should also be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. When Alumroot is grown in an optimal setting, it will flourish and bring a burst of color to your garden.

Rodgersia aesculifolia

This large, upright shrub can grow up to 10 feet in height and width, depending on the environment it is grown in. It is referred to as fingerleaf Rodgersia because of its attractive, finger-like leaves. The leaves can range in color from a dark green to a dark purple and are often marked with brown or purple blotches. In midsummer, the shrub is covered in a profusion of fragrant, pink or off-white bloom spikes, which grow up to two feet in length. Its blooms are very attractive and are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

When grown in USDA Zones 9-11, Rodgersia aesculifolia is a perennial plant, able to survive the cold winter temperatures and returning each spring. However, if you are planting it in an areas where temperatures may dip below 30 F, it'âs wise to provide your Rodgersia with a bit of winter protection.

In these cold areas, the plant can be grown in a large pot and brought into a garage or shed when temperatures drop. Rodgersia is a moisture-loving plant and should be regularly watered to keep the soil moist throughout the growing seasons. When conditions are especially hot or dry, make sure you give it extra water.

To encourage the growth of a healthy Rodgersia, make sure to prune it lightly in the late winter or early spring so that its shape remains compact and dense. It's also a good idea to apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring. Rodgersia aesculifolia is a striking feature plant for any garden and with proper care, it will thrive for many years.

Rodgersia podophylla, Astilbe podophylla

This small shrub is native to many parts of Asia which includes China and Japan. It reaches an average height of 2-5ft at maturity and is characterized by distinctive bronze-colored foliage. The foliage is long and thin and can appear almost fern-like in its appearance. Attractive white or off-white flowers appear during summertime and are especially favored by pollinators like bees. Rodgersia podophylla is suitable for cultivation outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 however due to its good cold tolerance, it can also endure temperatures at least as low as the low 30s Fahrenheit for a short time when mature.

Growing Rodgersia podophylla is an enjoyable experience and the plant can be grown in both the ground or large containers. The former is usually the most successful approach, however a mature plant can be successfully grown in cold regions in pots as long as these containers are overwintered. It is strongly recommended that these plans are drained and also stored in frost-free shelter during the wintertime.

For successful growth, Rodgersia podophylla should be planted in semi-shaded areas. It prefers moist soils but should not be excessively wet. Therefore, regular water must be applied but care should be taken to not allow waterlogging during winter months. Due to its need to be well-drained, adding a layer of pebbles or gravel before planting will help ensure successful growth and better water retention. During the growing seasons, fertilization should be applied with a weak solution every few months in order to promote healthy growth and flowering.

In conclusion, with its unique bronze foliage, intricate flower and good cold tolerance, Rodgersia podophylla is a worthy addition to any garden. With a moderate amount of care and regular maintenance, it will bring an impressive show of color to your gardens.

Saxifraga stolonifera, Saxifraga sarmentosa

A popular garden flower and houseplant, Saxifraga stolonifera has attractive white blossoms with distinctive pointed petals and bright yellow ovary.

Plant is viviparous. It spreads via threadlike stolon (runners), with plantlets taking root in the vicinity of the mother plant. It is hardy to USDA zone 5-10.

Tolmiea menziesii

Tolmiea menziesii (Thousand Mothers) is a plant native to North America. It is a groundcover and low-growing, reaching as much as 2ft, despite most specimens only reaching a few inches. In warmer areas, the plant can grow into a small bush, up to 5ft tall, but this depends on the care taken of it.

It likes full sun, but will do well in semi-shade. It prefers regular water, but can survive on moderate water in drier conditions. The ornamental foliage of this plant is particular attractive, and provides awe-inspiring colors of foliage in the summer.

The plant is cold-hardy, and can survive short time periods in temperatures down to 30F. However, in such cold regions, it is best to grow in a pot to be able to huddle it indoors in winters or during cold snaps. The plant will benefit from some good potting soil and enough moisture so the roots remain damp.

In general, Tolmiea menziesii is suitable for USDA Zones 9-11, so anyone living in warmer coastal states or with a greenhouse or sunroom to bring plants inside during winter should have no issues growing this plant.