Heuchera – Key Lime Pie
We've launched a PR campaign - Dolce Heucheras: The Other flowering plant for part to full shade that starts with H. Dolce are the aristocrats of Heucheras (coral bells). As the Spokes-Heuchera, I say we start with me. My mounded, 8-16 inch clumps of scalloped, heart-shape leaves are veined and mottled in shades of bright lime green. These colors deepen and intensify in cool weather and my foliage keeps its looks all winter. In spring to summer, long, erect flower spikes of tiny, bell-shaped pink flowers rise as many as 10 inches above my leaves where they remain for weeks.
Dolce are Perennial in zones 4 - 9, drought tolerant, attract hummingbirds, and easy to grow. I'll get in trouble if I don't promote my siblings, too. So here goes: Blackcurrant, Creme Brulee, Creme de Menthe, Licorice, Mocha Mint, and Peach Melba.
Features
We've launched a PR campaign - Dolce Heucheras: The Other flowering plant for part to full shade that starts with H. Dolce are the aristocrats of Heucheras (coral bells). As the Spokes-Heuchera, I say we start with me. My mounded, 8-16 inch clumps of scalloped, heart-shape leaves are veined and mottled in shades of bright lime green. These colors deepen and intensify in cool weather and my foliage keeps its looks all winter. In spring to summer, long, erect flower spikes of tiny, bell-shaped pink flowers rise as many as 10 inches above my leaves where they remain for weeks.
Dolce are Perennial in zones 4 - 9, drought tolerant, attract hummingbirds, and easy to grow. I'll get in trouble if I don't promote my siblings, too. So here goes: Blackcurrant, Creme Brulee, Creme de Menthe, Licorice, Mocha Mint, and Peach Melba.
Attracts: Birds, Hummingbirds
Resists: Deer
Dead-Heading Not Necessary
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Fall Interest
Maintenance Notes
They begin blooming in early spring. Deadheading won't keep them blooming longer. However, removing the flower stems once the plant has finished blooming will keep them looking tidier. Plants can be divided in spring or fall for personal use.
An application of fertilizer or compost on garden beds and regular fertilization of plants in pots will help ensure the best possible performance.
Uses Notes
Plant alone or in combinations in all container types and landscapes
Maintenance Category Easy
Water Category Average
Bloom Time
Flower Form Container, Cut Flower, Landscape
Soil Fertility Average Soil
pH A - pH 5.5 - 5.8
EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.6 - 0.9
Fertilization 150 - 200
Light Requirements Medium
Water Requirements Moderate to Moist
Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit
Growing On Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit
Holding Temperature 40 - 50° Fahrenheit
Planting and Timing Information
Early Spring through Fall Finish. 4" to 1 gallon pots: 1 PPP. 10-12" pots 3 PPP.
Finishing Times [weeks]
4-5" and Quart Pot : 4-6
6" and Gallon Pot : 5-7
7-9" Pot : 7-9
10-12" and Two Gallon Pot : 10-12
Pinching and Growth Regulators
No pinching or growth regulators needed.
Pest and Disease Management
General pest and disease practices as listed in notes. Preventative sprays to control Botrytis may be necessary under cold, wet, low-light conditions.
Grower Tips
Grower Tips for Grower Tips for Dolce
-For best foliage coloration, avoid scorching light. Very high light can scorch foliage.
-Light shade is essential for optimal growth.
-B-9 at 2,500 ppm will help keep Amethyst Myst petioles short under low light conditions.
-To reduce or avoid bacterial leaf spotting use a copper based spray bi-monthly.
-Finished spring plants can be moved outside to take advantage of cool temperatures for holding purposes only.
