Heuchera ‘Santa Ana Cardinal’ is a historic hybrid of Heuchera maxima (California Channel Islands) and H. sanguinea (southwestern United States and Mexico), developed by Dr. Lee Lenz at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (now California Botanic Garden) and introduced in 1958. This evergreen perennial combines the large, glossy foliage and shade tolerance of H. maxima with the bright red flowers of H. sanguinea. Forms dense mounds of shiny, dark green foliage 1–2 feet tall and wide. In spring and summer, plants produce 2-foot flower stalks bearing numerous cherry-red flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Performs best in part sun to full shade, with tolerance for full sun in cooler coastal climates. Adapted to regular or occasional irrigation and capable of growing in dry shade once established. Particularly valuable as an understory planting beneath established trees, where it provides year-round evergreen foliage in sites that are often difficult to plant successfully. An excellent choice for planting under coast live oaks, valley oaks, and other mature trees.
Useful in woodland gardens, shaded borders, dry shade gardens, oak woodland plantings, low-water landscapes, habitat plantings, and other understory applications.
Generally low maintenance. Mealybugs may occasionally occur, particularly in nursery production or densely planted situations. Slugs and snails can damage new growth in moist, shaded environments. Crown and root rot may develop in poorly drained soils or under prolonged wet conditions. Best performance is achieved with good drainage and adequate air circulation.
- Common Name:
- Alum Root Hybrid
- Mature Height:
- 12-18"
- Mature Spread:
- 1-2'
- Exposure:
- Part Sun/Shade
- Growth:
- Evergreen
- Flower Color:
- Red
