Lime Rickey Choral Bells
Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens
Flower description / bloom time
The white flowers are very small on slender 18-inch stems that rise above the mounded foliage. Most evaluators did not consider the flowers as significant. Two commented that their plants did not flower at all.
Foliage interest—color/texture
Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’ has bright chartreuse leaves that are rounded with wavy edges and each leaf is about 2 inches in diameter. The bright color and the ruffled texture stand out in the shadier garden. Two out of six evaluators had some black spot on the leaves.
Habit & growth rate observations
Comments on growth habit were varied. Some evaluators described the full, mounded habit as excellent and lasting well into winter. However, some of the other evaluators experienced slow growth, failure to thrive and winterkill. At its best ‘Lime Rickey’ was 6-10 inches tall and 32 inches wide.
Site preference—soil and light
The three evaluators who had success with this plant had partially shaded conditions and dry to moist, but well drained soil. The three evaluators who reported poor results had very dry conditions with no supplemental water and/or slightly sunnier location.
Successes & possible drawbacks—how to overcome them
When not affected by leaf spot, the chartreuse leaves are the standout feature of this plant. Foliage holds up well into December and new growth emerges early in spring. Clean up of dead leaves in spring and removal of spent flowers were the only maintenance tasks mentioned. ‘Lime Rickey’ was not browsed by rabbits or damaged by slugs.
Notes from growers/retailers
This coral bell can be susceptible to rust and rotting. Growers recommended preventative fungicides and monitoring salts and moisture. Although it is a very slow grower, it always looks good in containers.
Best combinations
Athyrium filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’, Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’, Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’
Parting SHOT”— the overall evaluation results were Good. ***
The final evaluations were sharply divided. Three of the six evaluators rated the plant ‘Excellent’ and three rated it ‘Fair’, which gave an average rating of ‘Good’. Close attention to soil and light conditions were the determining factors for success.
Evaluated 2005-2008
