Coral bells (Heuchera 'TNHEU042' DOLCE KEY LIME PIE)
Discover Heuchera 'TNHEU042' DOLCE KEY LIME PIE, a vigorous coral bells cultivar featuring vibrant lime green foliage and pink blooms in zones 5-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE, commonly known as coral bells, is a highly desirable herbaceous perennial prized for its stunning, season-long foliage display. This specific cultivar offers vibrant lime green leaves that emerge chartreuse and maintain excellent color saturation, providing year-round interest, especially in warmer climates. As a vigorous, clump-forming plant, it excels at adding essential texture and bright color contrast to shaded garden beds.
Growing to a manageable height, this variety of coral bells produces slender stems bearing tiny, light pink flowers in the early summer. While the flowers are attractive, the primary appeal of Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE lies in its handsome, rounded, unruffled basal mound of foliage. It thrives across USDA zones 5 through 9, offering reliable color performance.
This plant is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-to-medium maintenance specimens that perform well in dappled sunlight conditions. Its structure makes Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE perfect for softening edges or brightening up woodland-style plantings where bold leaf colors are needed against deep green backgrounds.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant coral bells in organically rich, humusy soil that maintains medium moisture and excellent drainage. While it tolerates full sun, especially in cooler northern climates, most garden locations benefit from protection during the intense afternoon heat, preferring part shade. If grown in full sun, consistent watering is crucial, as allowing the soil to dry out can lead to foliage scorch and decline.
Water needs are medium; aim for consistent moisture without saturation. Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE generally requires minimal fertilization if the soil is prepared well. Remove the spent flower stems after blooming ceases to tidy the plant and potentially encourage more flower production.
In warmer zones, the foliage tends to remain evergreen, providing great winter structure. In colder regions, a protective winter compost mulch applied after the ground freezes helps insulate the crown and prevents damaging root heaving caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years in the spring to maintain vigor.
Landscape Uses
Coral bells are exceptionally versatile, whether massed together for impact or used individually as specimen accents. Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE works beautifully when planted in groups within rock gardens, where its bright foliage contrasts sharply with hardscape elements. It is also an effective edger along pathways or walkways, leading the eye through the garden space.
Consider using this cultivar in open woodland gardens where it can benefit from high, filtered light throughout the day. The lime green hue ensures this plant stands out even under the shade canopy of taller trees. Pair coral bells with plants that share similar soil and moisture requirements, such as hostas, ferns, or darker-leaved heucheras, to create dynamic color patterns.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
DOLCE KEY LIME PIE is a vigorous, clump-forming coral bells cultivar that features lime green foliage and light pink flowers. It is the result of a cross between Heuchera ‘Amber Waves’ (seed parent) and Heuchera ‘Huntsman’ (pollen parent). Lobed, rounded, unruffled leaves form a basal mound (to 8” tall) which typically spreads to 16” wide, emerging chartreuse and maturing to lime green with sharp color retention. Tiny, light pink flowers appear in spires in late spring on slender stems rising above the foliage mound to 16” tall.
Tolerances
No specific tolerances were provided in the original data set for this cultivar beyond its preferred sun and moisture ranges.
Potential Problems
Frost heaving of roots presents a risk when winter temperatures fluctuate significantly; applying mulch after the ground freezes mitigates this issue. Gardeners should watch for potential disease issues such as powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot, often signs of overly humid or wet conditions. Insect pests like weevils and foliar nematodes can also occasionally target Heuchera foliage, requiring vigilant inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coral bells suitable for?
Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Coral bells grow?
This plant typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet tall, spreading from 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE need?
It performs best in full sun to part shade, though it benefits from afternoon shade in hotter climates.
When does Coral bells bloom?
The flowering period for Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE occurs from June to July, producing white flowers on thin spikes.
Conclusion
Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE remains a garden standout due to its dependable performance and brilliant lime green foliage which brightens shaded corners. This exceptional coral bells cultivar offers substantial aesthetic rewards for relatively moderate care. Plan your site selection carefully, ensuring excellent drainage, and check your zone compatibility before planting this season.
Companion Planting
Selecting suitable companions enhances the visual appeal and cultural compatibility of your planting scheme. Coral bells thrive alongside plants that appreciate well-drained, humus-rich soil and part shade. Excellent pairings include Hosta varieties, especially those with blue or variegated foliage that contrast beautifully with the bright chartreuse tones of Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE.
For woodland settings, consider pairing this cultivar with Spring Ephemerals like native Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) or various woodland ferns. The textural differences between the fine fern fronds and the rounded leaves of the coral bells create significant visual depth. This strategy helps maintain garden interest as the seasons change.
Propagation Tips
While Heuchera species can often be grown from seed, most modern hybrids, including DOLCE KEY LIME PIE, are best propagated through division. This should ideally be done in the spring. Carefully lift the established clump using a sharp spade or garden fork, gently teasing the roots apart to separate new crowns.
Ensure each division has a healthy set of roots and at least one growing bud. Replant the new sections immediately at the same depth they were previously growing. Division helps rejuvenate older clumps, preventing crowding, and guarantees you propagate the exact characteristics of the excellent Heuchera ‘TNHEU042’ DOLCE KEY LIME PIE.
