How to Grow Lime Rickey Coral Bells
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Lime Rickey Coral Bells
Heuchera 'Lime Rickey'
flowerLime Rickey Coral Bells is a striking foliage plant prized for its vibrant lime-green to chartreuse leaves with deep burgundy undersides and veining. It produces delicate pink flowers on tall spikes in spring and early summer, adding textural interest to shade gardens. This compact, clumping perennial thrives in woodland settings and mixed borders.
When should you plant Lime Rickey Coral Bells in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Lime Rickey Coral Bells timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lime Rickey Coral Bells
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Lime Rickey Coral Bells blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lime Rickey Coral Bells dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; enjoys cooler climates with afternoon shade in warmer zones
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Get my Lime Rickey Coral Bells timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung transplant with 4-6 leaves; compact rosette formation
Water regularly to establish roots; avoid fertilizing for 4-6 weeks; mulch lightly around base
Foliage Development
6-8 weeksMounding habit expands; lime-green leaves with deep burgundy undersides become more pronounced
Monitor soil moisture; remove any damaged outer leaves; apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
Flowering
4-6 weeksDelicate pink to coral-pink flowers emerge on thin, wiry stems above foliage
Flowers typically appear April-June; deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom period; stake tall spikes if needed
Summer Growth
8-10 weeksPlant maintains compact mound with bright foliage; flowers fade; new leaf growth continues
Maintain consistent moisture; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; avoid fertilizing in summer
Dormancy Preparation
8+ weeksFoliage color may deepen slightly; growth slows as temperatures cool in fall
Reduce watering; do not cut back foliage; apply winter mulch after first hard frost in cold zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested leaves; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap in early evening; use beneficial nematodes on soil
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide if severe
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and
Hand-pick in early morning; create barriers with copper tape; use organic slug baits
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Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater; improve soil aeration; remove severely affected plants
Uses
Cut Foliage & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe vibrant chartreuse and burgundy foliage makes striking cut stems for bouquets and dried arrangements. Pink flower spikes add delicate height and color to mixed vase displays. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeCoral Bells flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and beneficial insects that help pollinate the garden and control pests. The nectar provides early-season food when other plants have not yet bloomed. [source]
Shade Garden Ornament
HouseholdLime Rickey's brilliant foliage brightens dark corners and woodland gardens, providing year-round color and texture contrast with hostas and other shade perennials. [source]
Leaf Art & Pressing
CraftThe striking bicolored leaves dry and press beautifully for botanical art, crafts, and card-making projects due to their distinctive coloring and size. [source]
Landscape Edging & Border
HouseholdCompact mounding habit makes Lime Rickey ideal for edging pathways, bordering shade beds, and creating colorful low-growing layers in garden design. [source]
Harvest Tips
Coral Bells is an ornamental foliage plant; harvest colorful leaves for floral arrangements by cutting stems at the base. Flowers can be used in small arrangements. Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage bushier growth and potential repeat flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coral Bells foliage color intensifies with cooler temperatures and increases light exposure—fall and spring colors are often the most vibrant.
- 🌱 The 'Lime Rickey' cultivar was bred to have exceptionally bright chartreuse coloring that glows in shade, named for the lime-green color of the classic cocktail.
- 🌱 Heuchera is native to North America and has been cultivated by gardeners for over 150 years; modern breeding has produced hundreds of foliage color variations.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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