Coral Bells Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' is a striking perennial known for its vibrant and ruffled lime-green foliage. Each leaf has a unique, crinkled texture that adds an additional layer of visual interest. The leaves form a dense, mounded clump that creates a lush appearance in the garden. The undersides of the leaves are a paler green, which can sometimes be seen due to the wavy, slightly upturned edges of the leaves. During its blooming period, the Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' produces delicate flowers that stand in airy panicles above the foliage. These flowers are typically small, bell-shaped, and can range in color, but they often appear in shades that complement the bright green of the leaves. The contrast between the flamboyant foliage and the more discreet flowers is particularly striking. The plant's leaves and flowers both have a subtle yet charming effect in any garden setting, providing a continuous display of color and form throughout its growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot
Common names
Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells, including the 'Lime Rickey' cultivar, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They do not contain any known toxic principles that would cause poisoning if ingested. Therefore, accidental consumption of this plant is unlikely to result in any symptoms of poisoning or negative consequences for human health.
To pets
Coral Bells, specifically the 'Lime Rickey' variety, are typically safe and non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. These plants do not possess compounds that are poisonous to animals, so ingestion of the plant material is not expected to cause toxic symptoms or adverse health issues in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Lime green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' is known for its vibrant lime green foliage, which adds a splash of color to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care beyond the occasional pruning of dead leaves, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Shade Tolerant: It can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, allowing for garden design flexibility.
- Pest Resistant: Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' is resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Long-Blooming: It produces delicate flowers that can add visual interest to the garden for an extended period, often from late spring to summer.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' can attract butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye: The leaves of Coral Bells can be used to create shades of green or yellow on textiles, depending on the mordant used.
- In mixed media art: Pressed leaves and flowers of Coral Bells can be incorporated into collages, paper making, or botanical prints for a unique texture and color.
- As an educational tool: Coral Bells can be used in science classrooms or educational gardens to teach about plant biology, pollinators, and ecology.
- In photography: The vibrant foliage of Coral Bells can be a captivating subject for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of garden plants.
- As insectary plants: Coral Bells can attract beneficial insects to the garden, which can provide natural pest control.
- As a component in potpourri: Dried leaves of Coral Bells can be used in homemade potpourri mixes for a natural fragrance.
- In garden theming: They can be used to create a 'lime' themed garden, combined with other plants with lime-colored foliage for a cohesive look.
- For miniature gardens: Because of their mounded habit and small leaves, Coral Bells are ideal for fairy gardens or other miniature landscape projects.
- In container gardening: These plants can be grown in outdoor containers as part of a multi-textural arrangement with other shade-tolerant species.
- As a natural confetti: The tiny flowers of Coral Bells, when dried, can be used as a biodegradable confetti for celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coral Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coral Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Liveliness: The vibrant lime-green leaves of Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' symbolize energy and vivaciousness, matching the color's association with life and renewal.
- Refreshing: The cool hue of the leaves brings to mind a refreshing quality, similar to a cold drink on a hot day, often encouraging a sense of rejuvenation.
- Youthfulness: The bright, light green shade of 'Lime Rickey' is often connected with youth and playfulness, reflecting the fresh, new life of spring.
- Fertility: Green plants typically symbolize growth and fertility, suggesting 'Lime Rickey's role in promoting a healthy, flourishing garden.
- Optimism: The cheerful color of the Coral Bells can imbue a sense of optimism and positivity in a garden setting, uplifting the spirits of onlookers.
WaterCoral Bells should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. They prefer consistently moist but well-drained soil. Check the soil moisture before watering and water deeply to encourage deep root growth, but avoid waterlogging the soil. During the summer, they may need additional water, but it's important to reduce watering as the weather cools to minimize the risk of root rot.
LightCoral Bells thrive best in partial shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade being ideal. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates if kept moist but may suffer from leaf scorch in intense summer heat. A spot that receives filtered sunlight throughout the day is optimal for vibrant foliage color.
TemperatureCoral Bells are hardy in a wide range of temperatures, generally between 30°F (-1°C) to 85°F (29°C). They can survive short periods of colder frost down to about -25°F (-32°C), as well as higher temperatures if they are not in full sun. The ideal temperature for promoting robust growth and rich foliage color is between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C).
PruningCoral Bells benefit from pruning to remove any damaged or spent leaves and to encourage fresh growth. The best time for pruning is in early spring just as new growth starts. Spent flower stalks can be trimmed after flowering to keep the plant looking tidy. Generally, they only need to be pruned once at the beginning of the growing season unless there is occasional dead foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells 'Lime Rickey' thrive in a well-draining soil mix composed of one part garden soil, one part peat moss or coconut coir, and one part perlite or coarse sand. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCoral Bells 'Lime Rickey' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the container, especially to replenish soil nutrients and ensure continued growth.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells 'Lime Rickey' prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to different humidity conditions, making them suitable for various garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Coral Bells 'Lime Rickey', bright indirect light, well-draining soil, water when topsoil dries.
Outdoor
Place Coral Bells 'Lime Rickey' in part shade, well-draining soil, mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
Coral Bells 'Lime Rickey' are suitable for 4-9 USDA hardiness zones.
Life cycleHeuchera 'Lime Rickey', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare root or small starter plant that is planted in well-draining soil in early spring or fall. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage where the distinctive lime-green foliage emerges and forms a mounding clump. During late spring to early summer, Coral Bells produce slender, upright stems topped with small bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, the plant may go through a period of seed setting, although Heuchera is often propagated vegetatively by division. As temperatures cool in the fall, growth slows and the plant's leaves may take on a slightly different hue or maintain their vibrancy, depending on the climate. Finally, Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' enters winter dormancy, during which above-ground growth ceases, but it maintains its leaves, potentially providing winter interest before the cycle begins anew in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Heuchera 'Lime Rickey', commonly known as Coral Bells, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method. Division is best done in spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the entire plant and gently pull apart the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a piece of the crown and some roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing before and watered thoroughly. It's essential to keep the new divisions well-watered until they are established, which usually takes a few weeks.
