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How to Grow Heuchera 'Lime Rickey'

Heuchera 'Lime Rickey'

Heuchera × brizoides 'Lime Rickey'

flower

Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' is a hybrid coral bells cultivar prized for its vibrant chartreuse-lime foliage that glows in partial shade. It produces delicate pink to coral flowers on slender stems above the ornamental leaves. This evergreen perennial is an excellent choice for containers, borders, and woodland gardens.

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Example Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Heuchera 'Lime Rickey'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to part sun, 3-6 hours of indirect light daily; brighter light intensifies foliage color
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water weekly during growing season; reduce in winter. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but perform best with regular moisture.
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: Plants mature and reach full ornamental size in 2-3 years
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Planting depth: Surface planting or very shallow; plant so crown is at soil level, not buried

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

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Thrives best in zones 4-9, with excellent color in cooler to moderate climates

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First 6-8 weeks

Young plants develop a rosette of chartreuse leaves close to the ground with limited root system

Keep soil consistently moist. Protect from hot afternoon sun. Mulch around base but avoid covering the crown. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly.

2

Vegetative Growth

Weeks 8-12

Foliage expands with increasingly vibrant lime-green color; plant fills out and develops stronger root system

Maintain consistent moisture. Deadhead early flower spikes to encourage leaf development if desired. Fertilize monthly with balanced or foliage-rich fertilizer.

3

Flowering

4-8 weeks (spring to early summer)

Delicate pink to coral flower spikes emerge above the foliage on thin, wiry stems, reaching 12-18 inches tall

Flowers typically appear spring through early summer. Deadheading extends blooming but isn't necessary. Reduce fertilizer nitrogen to encourage flowers over foliage.

4

Summer Rest

June-August

Plant focus shifts back to foliage after primary flowering; heat may slightly dull leaf color in hot climates

In hot zones, increase shade and consistent watering. Foliage color intensifies again in fall. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves.

5

Fall & Winter

September-March

Evergreen foliage persists; in cooler zones, leaf color may deepen or take on purplish tones; plant goes semi-dormant

Reduce watering. Do not cut back foliage; leave it for winter interest and protection. Ensure good drainage to prevent rot in wet winters.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Lamium Coral Bells (other Heuchera varieties) Astilbe Hauchera villosa Foamflower (Tiarella) Pulmonaria Japanese painted fern Liriope Sedum

Avoid planting near:

Tall aggressive perennials that shade heavily Plants requiring dry conditions (except Sedum) Mint (spreads aggressively)

Common Pests

  • Remove debris and mulch where adults hide; use nematodes for larvae; apply insecticidal soap to foliage in evening

  • Increase humidity and air circulation; spray with water; use horticultural oil or neem oil if severe

  • Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or fungicide if needed; resistant to severe mildew compared to some Heuchera types

  • Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply fungicide if widespread

  • Spray with water; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; neem oil for severe infestations

Uses

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Foliage Accent Plant

Ornamental

'Lime Rickey' provides year-round chartreuse-lime colored foliage that brightens shaded gardens and provides striking contrast to dark-leaved companions. Its vivid color glows in partial shade without bleaching in full sun. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Ornamental

The delicate pink to coral flower spikes add texture and subtle color to fresh or dried arrangements. Foliage is also useful for floral design. [source]

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Container Gardening

Household

'Lime Rickey' thrives in containers and hanging baskets, making it ideal for patios, balconies, and deck spaces where its bright foliage can be appreciated up close. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The spring flowers attract native bees, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects, providing early season nectar and supporting pollinators in transitional shade gardens. [source]

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Dried Foliage Crafts

Craft

Both foliage and dried flower spikes can be pressed and used in botanical crafts, pressed flower art, and decorative projects. [source]

Harvest Tips

Heuchera is grown for ornamental foliage and flowers rather than harvest. Cut flower stems for arrangements when they fully emerge in spring. Pinch or deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued bloom. Harvest individual leaves for arrangements anytime during growing season.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 'Lime Rickey' is named after the classic cocktail lime rickey (lime juice, lime soda, and ice), referencing its brilliant chartreuse color that mimics the drink's vibrant hue.
  • 🌱 Heuchera is native to North America and was used by indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes; the genus honors Johann Heinrich von Heucher, an 18th-century German botanist.
  • 🌱 Unlike many colorful foliage plants, 'Lime Rickey' maintains its brilliant lime color throughout the season and actually glows in shade, making it one of the brightest Heuchera cultivars available.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Cultivar Deadhead Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade Perennial
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