Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora Alba Plena

Heuchera micrantha var.diversifolia 'Palace Purple', also known as Purple Palace Alumroot, is an old variety that has been successful for many years. The foliage with its amazing metallic reflections, deeply cut, semi-evergreen, dark and warm is the major asset of this intensely attractive Heuchera: coppery purple turning to indigo purple under the summer sun. Its airy white-cream bell-shaped flowers add to its charm throughout the summer. It has sparked many passions and has often been the first piece of a beautiful collection for gardeners who fell in love with Heucheras. Not demanding, this perennial tolerates heat and occasional drought well, but prefers humus-bearing and moist soils.

'Palace Purple' Alumroot belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. Heuchera micrantha, from which it originates, is native to Western Canada and the United States. This plant generally grows in the interior or coastal regions of California, through the Cascades and Sierras of the evergreen forests. It tolerates wet soils better than other Heuchera varieties. H. micrantha passed on the undulate character of its leaves to all the hybrids with "ruffled" foliage that can be found on the market today. 'Palace Purple' forms a regular and spreading clump of 50 cm (20in) in all directions. Its growth is fast. The foliage is deeply palmate, reminiscent of maple leaves. Each leaf measures about 10 cm (4in) in length. The background color varies with the seasons and temperature, but remains polished with a metallic reflection that dresses it in a unique way. From rusty purple, it becomes intense purple to violet, taking on green-bronze shades in hot climates and in the sun. Autumn and early winter maintain a purple hue. The foliage lasts a long time before partially disappearing in December. In mild climates, the plant is evergreen. Flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of panicles of tiny bell-shaped flowers, cream with red anthers, giving them a light pink appearance, followed by pink fruits. This plant has a shallow root system. Note that this variety is propagated by sowing, which makes it particularly robust and healthy.

Place 'Palace Purple' Alumroot at the base of old roses with light pink flowers, which its purple foliage will particularly enhance. It will also have a very nice effect along the edge of a flower bed dominated by red: paired with lobelia 'Queen Victoria' or columbine 'Ruby Port', or chocolate cosmos. It can also be used as ground cover to fill the base of spring-flowering shrubs, and will thrive in a cool rock garden. In a border, this Heuchera will bring dynamism to the garden. Pair it with hostas, grasses, and ferns for a wild effect. It also makes a good companion for shrubs, planted in the understory. In a rock garden, place a contrasting mulch at its feet with its beautiful foliage. Finally, it makes an ideal and long-lasting ground cover, with remarkable colors. Pair this Heuchera with blue flowers, the only color it really lacks, and they will complement each other perfectly. Alumroot is an ideal plant for filling your pots, containers, and flower boxes. A good cut flower, the graceful bell-shaped flowers of this plant bring a lightness to bouquets.

Heucheras with trembling stems and tiny bell-shaped flowers were very fashionable in the 19th century in all European gardens. They were named 'Desespoir du peintre' by the Impressionist painters, who probably tried in vain to represent them.